Your Right Hand Sustains Me (Psalm 18:30-36)

³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the Lord?
And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength
and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield,
and your right hand sustains me;
your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet,
so that my ankles do not give way.

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 What is striking in today’s passage is how David gives the Lord credit for his accomplishments and abilities.   Scripture makes it quite clear that David is a formidable warrior and leader of warriors.   But here David credits the Lord for his martial prowess, as well as his physical abilities.

This leads me today to reflect on the abilities that the Lord has given me, and the things He has enabled me to accomplish.  The temptation to pride is so strong and alluring.  This psalm is a reminder to give credit where credit is due.  All that I am and all that I have – including talents and abilities – are given by the Lord.  So it is fitting to thank and praise Him and give Him credit for what He has done in and through me.

How has he blessed you?  It may not be training your hands for battle or making your feet like that of a deer, but He has blessed you according to His wisdom and His love for you.

So my prayer today is one of thankfulness for these gifts, along with a prayer that He may guide me in using them according to His will.

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