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A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms – 18

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A Devotional on Psalm 18: The Rock of Our Deliverance

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:1-2, ESV)

Imagine a weary traveler, trudging through a desolate wilderness, battered by howling winds and pursued by unseen foes. The ground beneath quakes, and shadows loom like specters in the dusk. Yet, in the distance, a towering rock rises—a fortress unshaken by storm or strife. This is the vivid imagery of Psalm 18, where David, the shepherd-king, pours out his heart in gratitude to God, his unyielding deliverer. Let us linger here, in the shadow of this divine stronghold, and draw inspiration from the timeless truths of this psalm.

David’s song in Psalm 18 bursts with vibrant imagery, painting God as a warrior who thunders from the heavens to rescue His beloved. “The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded” (v. 13). Picture the skies splitting open, clouds parting like curtains, as the Almighty descends in blazing glory, His voice shaking the earth. This is no distant deity but a God who “bowed the heavens” (v. 9) to draw near to His servant. Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher of the 19th century, reflects on this: “God’s interventions are not tame; they are majestic, like the roar of thunder or the flash of lightning, displaying His power to save.” In our trials, when life’s tempests rage, we can cling to this truth: our God is not aloof but storms into our battles with divine ferocity.

Consider the imagery of God as a rock and fortress. David, no stranger to danger, knew the value of a physical refuge—caves in the wilderness hid him from Saul’s spear. Yet, he declares God as his true shelter. John Calvin, the 16th-century reformer, writes, “God is a rock, not only because He is immovable, but because He is a sure foundation for our faith, unyielding against the assaults of our enemies.” When anxieties swirl like a flood, threatening to sweep us away, we can anchor ourselves to this Rock. Have you felt the waves of doubt or fear crashing against you? Stand firm, for the Lord is your unassailable fortress, a refuge that no enemy can breach.

David’s psalm also celebrates God’s deliverance with the tenderness of a shepherd. “He drew me out of many waters” (v. 16). Imagine a lamb, trapped in a rushing torrent, helpless until the shepherd’s strong hand pulls it to safety. So God rescues us, not merely from physical peril but from the soul’s deep distress. Jonathan Edwards, the 18th-century theologian, reminds us: “God’s salvation is not only a deliverance from danger but a drawing into His embrace, where we find rest.” Reflect upon God’s goodness in your own past. When has God reached down to lift you from the waters of despair, setting your feet on solid ground? Yet, Psalm 18 is not only about God’s power but also His training. “He trains my hands for battle” (v. 34). David envisions God as a divine mentor, equipping His servant for the fight. Matthew Henry, the 17th-century commentator, observes, “God not only saves us but strengthens us to stand, giving us grace to overcome.” Life’s struggles are not merely to be endured but are training grounds where God hones our faith, teaching us to wield the shield of trust and the sword of His Word. What battles are you facing today? Trust that God is preparing you, not for defeat, but for victory through His strength.

Finally, David’s song crescendos in praise: “The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation!” (v. 46). This is a shout of triumph, a declaration that our God is alive, active, and worthy of all adoration. Augustine of Hippo, writing in the 4th century, urges us: “Let your heart sing to the living God, for He is not a God of the dead but of the living, ever working for your good.” In moments of doubt, let this truth resound: your God lives, and His love for you is as unshakable as the rock He embodies.

Reflection and Prayer:

Beloved, take heart today in the God of Psalm 18. He is your rock when life quakes, your fortress when enemies surround, your deliverer when waters rise. Like David, cry out to Him in love and trust, knowing He thunders from heaven for you. Let the words of Spurgeon, Calvin, Edwards, Henry, and Augustine stir your soul to see God’s majesty anew.

Heavenly Father, my Rock and Deliverer, I praise You for Your mighty hand that saves and sustains me. When storms rage and foes press in, be my fortress and shield. Train my hands for the battles of this life, and let my heart ever sing, ‘The Lord lives!’ In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application:

  • Reflect: Recall a time when God delivered you from a trial. How did His intervention strengthen your faith?
  • Act: Memorize Psalm 18:1-2 and recite it when fear or doubt arises, anchoring yourself to God’s strength.
  • Pray: Ask God to reveal Himself as your rock and fortress in a specific challenge you face today.

May the vivid imagery of Psalm 18 and the wisdom of these faithful voices inspire you to trust in the God who is your strength, now and forever.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -17

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A Devotional on Psalm 17: A Cry for God’s Justice and Refuge

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
— Psalm 17:8 (NIV)

Imagine a storm-ravaged night, the wind howling like a chorus of restless spirits, trees bending low under the weight of nature’s fury. In the midst of this chaos, a small bird nestles beneath the sturdy wings of its mother, untouched by the tempest’s rage. This is the vivid imagery of Psalm 17:8, where David, pursued by enemies and weighed down by trials, pleads for God’s protection and favor. His prayer is not just a cry for help but a bold declaration of trust in the God who sees, knows, and shelters His own.

Psalm 17 is David’s heartfelt plea for justice, a prayer rising from a place of vulnerability yet grounded in unwavering faith. He begins with confidence: “Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry” (v. 1). David knows his heart is aligned with God’s will, and he appeals to the One who examines hearts with perfect clarity. Like a child running to a parent’s embrace, David seeks refuge in God’s righteousness, trusting that the Lord will deliver him from those who seek his harm.

The imagery of verse 8 is particularly striking: “Keep me as the apple of your eye.” The phrase evokes a tender, intimate connection—God’s gaze fixed on His beloved, as if David is the very center of His affection. The “apple of the eye” refers to the pupil, the most delicate and precious part of the body, fiercely guarded. To be the apple of God’s eye is to be cherished beyond measure, held close in His divine care. Then, David adds, “Hide me in the shadow of your wings,” conjuring the image of a mother eagle shielding her young from danger, her wings a fortress against the storm.

This imagery resonates deeply with the thoughts of great Christian thinkers. Augustine, in his Confessions, reflects on God’s protective love, writing, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living” (echoing Psalm 17:14). Augustine saw God as the ultimate shelter, a place of safety where the soul finds rest amidst life’s trials. Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in Letters to Malcolm, describes God’s care as a “severe mercy,” a love that protects but also refines, shaping us through trials into the image of Christ. David’s prayer in Psalm 17 embodies this trust in God’s dual role as both protector and purifier.

As we meditate on this psalm, consider the enemies David faced—not just physical foes but the spiritual battles of doubt, fear, and temptation. We, too, face such adversaries in our daily lives: the pressures of a world that pulls us from God, the whispers of anxiety, or the weight of injustice. Yet, like David, we can cry out to God, confident that He hears us. As Charles Spurgeon once wrote, “The Lord’s wings are broad enough to cover all His people, and His eye is keen enough to see every one of their needs.” Spurgeon’s words remind us that God’s protection is personal, His attention unwavering.

Picture yourself now, standing in a vast, open field, the winds of life swirling around you. Above, dark clouds loom, but you feel the gentle brush of feathers as God’s wings envelop you. You are seen, known, and cherished—the apple of His eye. No storm can uproot you, no enemy can prevail, for you are hidden in the shadow of the Almighty.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You as David did, seeking Your justice and refuge. You see my heart, my struggles, and my hopes. Keep me as the apple of Your eye, Lord, and hide me in the shadow of Your wings. When the storms of life rage, let me rest in Your unchanging love. Refine me, protect me, and lead me in Your everlasting way. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

  1. What “enemies” are you facing today that threaten your peace? How can you entrust them to God’s care?
  2. How does the image of being the “apple of God’s eye” or hidden under His wings encourage you in your current season?
  3. Reflect on a time when you felt God’s protection. How does that memory strengthen your faith now?

May Psalm 17 inspire you to run to God as your refuge, trusting that His love is both your shield and your strength. As John Calvin once said, “Though the world may rage, God’s elect are safe in His hand.” Rest in that truth today.

A Sheep’s Journey Through Psalms -3

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Devotional on Psalm 3: Trust in God Amidst Adversity
Scripture: Psalm 3 (ESV)
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people! Selah


Reflection: A Cry of Confidence in Crisis
Psalm 3, penned by King David during one of the darkest moments of his life, offers a timeless testimony of trust in God amidst overwhelming adversity. Historically, this psalm is rooted in the rebellion of David’s son Absalom, as recorded in 2 Samuel 15–18. Absalom’s betrayal, coupled with the loss of support from many of David’s people, left the king fleeing for his life, his heart heavy with sorrow. Yet, in this moment of despair, David’s faith shines as a beacon of hope, inspiring Christians throughout the centuries to cling to God when enemies—whether physical, spiritual, or emotional—surround them.
Historical Christian Perspective
Early church fathers like Augustine saw Psalm 3 as a profound expression of Christ’s own suffering and trust in the Father, especially during His passion. Augustine, in his Expositions on the Psalms, interpreted David’s cry as a foreshadowing of Christ’s victory over sin and death, noting that the “enemies” represent the forces of evil that Christ ultimately defeated. Similarly, John Calvin, in his Commentary on the Psalms, emphasized David’s unshakable confidence in God’s protection, viewing it as a model for believers facing persecution or trials. For Calvin, the psalm teaches that God’s deliverance is certain, even when circumstances seem hopeless.


Meditation: God, Our Shield and Sustainer
David begins with raw honesty: “O Lord, how many are my foes!” (v. 1). His enemies are not just numerous but vocal, mocking his faith by declaring, “There is no salvation for him in God” (v. 2). These words echo the taunts faced by early Christians under Roman persecution and resonate with believers today when the world questions the power of God in their struggles. Yet, David’s response is not despair but a bold declaration: “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head” (v. 3). Here, David recalls God’s covenant faithfulness, a truth that sustained the early church and reformers like Luther, who faced their own “Absaloms” in the form of opposition to the gospel.
The image of God as a shield evokes the protective armor of a warrior, surrounding David on all sides. For Christians, this points to God’s providence, which guards us not only from physical harm but also from the spiritual assaults of doubt and fear. The phrase “lifter of my head” suggests God’s tender care, lifting the downcast soul to look to Him in hope. As the 4th-century bishop Ambrose wrote, God lifts our heads to behold His glory, reminding us of our dignity as His redeemed people.
David’s confidence is further displayed in verses 4–5: “I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me… I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” In the midst of danger, David finds peace enough to sleep, trusting God’s sustaining power. This resonates with the testimony of martyrs like Polycarp, who, facing death, rested in God’s faithfulness. For us, it’s a reminder that true peace comes not from the absence of trials but from the presence of God.
Finally, David’s plea, “Arise, O Lord! Save me, O my God!” (v. 7), is both a cry for deliverance and a statement of faith in God’s justice. The early church saw this as a prayer fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection, where God “struck” the enemies of sin and death. Verse 8, “Salvation belongs to the Lord,” became a cornerstone for theologians like Aquinas, who taught that salvation is wholly God’s work, not ours. This truth liberates us to trust God fully, knowing His blessing rests on His people.


Application: Trusting God Today
Like David, we may face moments when enemies—whether external opposition, internal doubts, or spiritual battles—seem overwhelming. Psalm 3 invites us to follow David’s example: acknowledge the reality of our struggles, yet turn our eyes to God, our shield and sustainer. Reflect on a current challenge in your life. Can you, like David, cry out to God and rest in His care, trusting that He will lift your head? Take time to pray, thanking God for His protection and asking for courage to face your “foes” with confidence in His salvation.


Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are our shield and the lifter of our heads. When enemies surround us and doubts assail us, help us to trust in Your unfailing love. Like David, may we find peace in Your presence and courage in Your promises. Thank You for the salvation that belongs to You alone. Bless Your people with hope and strength today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Closing Thought
As the Puritan Thomas Watson once wrote, “God is a shield to His people, not only keeping off the enemy’s darts but also giving strength to bear them.” Let Psalm 3 remind you that no matter how many rise against you, God is greater, and His salvation is sure. 

Of Elect and Non-elect Infants, A Clarification

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Clarifying beliefs is a tricky business. It is hard to explain one’s beliefs to others if there is not a good frame of reference that the person you are addressing can relate to easily. This is especially true when the issue is an emotionally charged one. On the question of whether infants or the mentally retarded go to heaven upon death, one must strive to be very clear on their beliefs and the biblical basis upon which those beliefs are built.
It has been charged that the Reformed view, or Calvinist view, teaches that those babies or mentally retarded persons who are not elect of God will go to hell when they die. This is not the teaching of either Calvin or the Presbyterian church, nor most Reformed believers. At issue is the statement in the Westminster Confession which states “Elect infants, dying in infancy, are regenerated and saved by Christ” (Chap. X. Sec. 3). The charge is that this implies that non-elect infants are lost. Concerning this Dr. S. G. Craig says: “The history of the phrase ‘Elect infants dying in infancy’ makes clear that the contrast implied was not between ‘elect infants dying in infancy’ and ‘non-elect infants dying in infancy,’ but rather between ‘elect infants dying in infancy’ and ‘elect infants living to grow up.’ ” However, in order to guard against misunderstanding, furthered by unfriendly controversialists, the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. adopted in 1903 a Declaratory Statement which reads as follows: “With reference to Chapter X, Section 3, of the Confession of Faith, that it is not to be regarded as teaching that any who die in infancy are lost. We believe that all dying in infancy are included in the election of grace, and are regenerated and saved by Christ through the Spirit, who works when and where and how He pleases.” (a)  The Presbyterian view goes beyond the Westminster Confession in stating positively that all infants who die are part of God’s elect but is the clarifying, or logical extension of what was written.
It is this difference that is crucial. The phrase was worded as such to contrast with the belief of the Catholic church that baptized infants were saved but unbaptized infants were not. Since the Reformed churches do not believe baptism confers saving grace, they were setting out their beliefs to reflect this. For what Calvin taught, I defer to Dr. R. A. Webb: “Calvin teaches that all the reprobate ‘procure’—(that is his own word)—’procure’ their own destruction; and they procure their destruction by their own personal and conscious acts of ‘impiety,’ ‘wickedness,’ and ‘rebellion.’ Now reprobate infants, though guilty of original sin and under condemnation, cannot, while they are infants, thus ‘procure’ their own destruction by their personal acts of impiety, wickedness, and rebellion. They must, therefore, live to the years of moral responsibility in order to perpetrate the acts of impiety, wickedness and rebellion, which Calvin defines as the mode through which they procure their destruction. While, therefore, Calvin teaches that there are reprobate infants, and that these will be finally lost, he nowhere teaches that they will be lost as infants, and while they are infants; but, on the contrary, he declares that all the reprobate ‘procure’ their own destruction by personal acts of impiety, wickedness and rebellion. Consequently, his own reasoning compels him to hold (to be consistent with himself), that no reprobate child can die in infancy; but all such must live to the age of moral accountability, and translate original sin into actual sin.” (b)
So, to clarify, the classic Reformed view does teach that all infants who die are part of the elect. There are those who hold differing opinions, of course, but the original teachings were that God’s grace saves those who cannot save themselves – which is precisely the point of the gospel. No one can save themselves, it is a gift of a gracious and merciful God made possible by the atoning work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Adults are just as helpless, spiritually speaking, to affect salvation in their own life as an infant is. All people, no matter the age, need the Holy Spirit to “quicken” (make alive) their spirit. Praise be to God that He graciously provides for us what we cannot provide for ourselves. As Ta Ethne works with believers of differing interpretations of doctrines, it is important not to charge someone with believing something that isn’t necessarily true. Here, we hold to this particular belief about infants and the mentally disabled — that God in His grace provides them His salvation.

Footnotes:

a — http://www.ccel.org/ccel/boettner/predest.iv.iii.xi.html

b — Calvin Memorial Addresses, p 112