Pray:
Mighty God, You are my shield and my strength. Through You I can overcome every enemy.
Read:
2 Samuel 22:31-51
Reflect:
In what do you need God to be your Rock?
Until quite recently, it was considered essential that a king should be able to lead his troops in battle. This placed him firmly in a macho world of strong bodies and strong egos. Such expectations certainly applied to David, and part of his great appeal was that he fit the bill so well. His public life began with the acclaim, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands" (1 Sam. 18:7). So it is natural for David to exult in physical strength and agility (22:30,33-35), victory in battle (38-43), and the complete subjugation of his enemies (41-46). He knows the energy and vitality of being in his prime.
However, underneath this bravado is a deep humility. David recognizes that all this is derived from God, who is the source of his strength and success (31-35). This is summed up beautifully in the phrase, "You stoop down to make me great" (36).
This is a genuine partnership between David and God. The Lord gives him the strength and skill for battle, but David has to exercise it. Whatever our natural gifts, talents and energy, they derive from God and we are responsible for putting them to use.
Apply:
Memorize Colossians 1:29 and take it with you into the challenging situations you face.
Pray:
Living God, let me live out my relationship with You before the world, so they may see You in me.
