Think Victory

Psalm 18
Dr. Edwin P. Elliott

I. Praise God for Victory

A. God makes Himself loveable; David responded by loving God back. “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1)

B. God is all a believer really has or really needs. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Psalm 18:2-3) “Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” (Hebrews 2:12-13)

“No fearing or doubting with Christ on our side,
We hope to die shouting, ‘The Lord will provide.’” [from Spurgeon’s Notes]

C. God gives victory over death and all its causes. “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.” (Psalm 18:4)

D. David testifies of particular deliverances in verses 5 through 18. “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.” (Psalm 18:6-7) Mary Queen of Scots stated she was more afraid of John Knox at prayer than of 10,000 soldiers ready for a fight.

“He that would be wise, let him read the Proverbs; he that would be holy, let him read the Psalms.” [from Spurgeon’s Notes]

II. David’s Faithfulness Increased His Confidence in God

A. God delivers His people because He delights in them. “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.” (Psalm 18:19-20) “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

B. A clear conscience in a matter, as David had in this dispute, strengthens a person and it does not show disrespect for grace. “For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.” (Psalm 18:21-23) A student receives recognition for learning but the real honor goes to the teacher who successfully taught.

C. God protects those who seek protection in Him. “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?” (Psalm 18:30-31)

III. Remember God’s Record as a Protector

A. God gave David his victories and narrow escapes. “He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.” (Psalm 18:33-35)

B. The victory always comes from God. “For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.” (Psalm 18:39-40)

C. God gave David the kingdom and kept it in David’s hands. “As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.” (Psalm 18:44)

D. Ultimately, David was speaking of his greater Son, the Messiah, Who would ultimately triumph over all. “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.” (Psalm 18:46-50) “I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.” (Psalm 89:3-4)