The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2 NIV
Most scholars give King David credit for writing Psalm 18. In it, he uses five metaphors to describe God. God is referred to as a rock many times in the Psalms. This symbolizes strength and a solid foundation. In addition to saying “God is my rock,” David calls the Lord his fortress, deliverer, the horn of his salvation, and his stronghold. These poetic devices help describe the profound greatness of God.
As a fortress and stronghold, God is our refuge in times of danger and trouble. A fortress provides protection from hostile forces. When in danger, we find sanctuary in God. Greater than any fortress or stronghold created by human hands, God provides perfect security. Even upon death, God receives us into his eternal protection.
The Armor of God
David called God his shield and deliverer. For Christians, Christ is our shield and deliverer. As Christians, the bible encourages us to put on the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:14-17 describes the armor of God saying, “Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace, above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. WEB”
With the words “horn of my salvation,” David symbolizes the strength of the Lord. Animals like bulls use their horns as their primary weapon. And so, David uses this symbology to describe how God saves him from the danger presented by his enemies. For Christians, belief in the purifying sacrifice of Jesus Christ is our salvation.
But who is the enemy? Paul describes the enemy in Ephesians 6:12 saying, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. KJV” When under spiritual attack, we say as surely as David said, “God is my rock.” We take refuge in Christ, our strength and shield, the rock of our salvation.
Prayer: “Father God, you are my rock and my refuge. Forgive me for my failings. Lead me away from temptation. Deliver me from evil. Help me to stand strong against the assaults of the enemy. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Infants in Christ
