Hungry, Day One (Ps. 18.29-30)

The Psalm reads:

29 For by you I can run against a troop,
and by my God I can leap over a wall.
30 This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

Our calling in life is different from David's.  He was God's chosen King who fight God's enemies and lead God's people theocratically.  He used a real sword and fought real people and ruled a real nation under the explicit rule of God.  Most importantly, David prefigured the REAL KING, David's biological descendant who is also the Son of God, Jesus Christ.

And yet David's Psalm is for us.  It is for you.  And though we better not be using any weapons for the Kingdom of God, there are real battles we fight and enemies to face.  Our own sin is against us (Romans 8.13).  The devil and his minions are against us (1 Peter 5.8).  There are people and circumstances that bring serious challenge (2 Timothy 4.13-18).  What's more, the responsibilities of our life's calling God has given to us can be overwhelming (2 Timothy 2.1-7).

The amazing reality is that through faith in Jesus Christ, with David we can whisper, "With God I can do it.  I can chase the enemy.  I can jump the obstacle."  Listen: God enables that which He calls.  If He calls you to something, He will enable you to do it if you will trust in and rely upon Him.  

Lock and load with these 3 truths:

1. "His ways are perfect."  God has you where you are and who you are.  He's not surprised.  He knows.  It's on purpose - for your joy and His glory.  So you can hope and take courage from Him.

2. "His Word proves true."  God will keep His Word.  Always.  Perfectly.  Completely.  And all of His promises are "Yes" to those who are in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1.20).  Know His promises for you and rely upon them.  Cling to them.  Live by them.  He will keep them.

3. "He is a shield for those who take refuge in Him."  Hide in Him (trust His promises) and He is a shield.  A shield from His wrath - you are saved through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. A shield from your sin - you have been forgiven and are being changed.  (2 Corinthians 5.17).  A shield from the evil of the world - all things are for your good, nothing can separate you from His love, (Romans 8.28 - end) and there is no one to fear (Psalm 118.6).

His ways are perfect, His Word is true, and He is a shield for those who take refuge in Him.  Hide in Him and be courageous and confident in the truth that God enables that which He calls.  Properly understood, our enemy will be routed, our obstacles overcome, and our victory won.