Background
David was anointed as the future king of Israel while still a shepherd boy, aged around fifteen. He was persecuted by the then king, Saul, for most of the next fifteen years until he became king at the age of thirty. During the forty years of David’s reign he led Israel to victory in many battles against neighbouring countries, but he also had some personal failings and experienced strife and division within his own family. David was also a musician and throughout his life his relationship with God is chronicled by his songs which are recorded as many of the Old Testament Psalms.
Towards the end of his life, David looks back on these times and on his relationship with God.
Bible Reading:2 Samuel 22:2-7, 47
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.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour,
from violent people you save me.
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The waves of death swirled about me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called to the Lord; I called out to my God.
From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Saviour!
A Reflection
Spend a few moments looking back over the years, both of your life and of your Christian journey.
Whatever you have been through, whatever joys and sadnesses you have experienced, whatever successes and failures you have had, God was there, even if you were not aware of him.
As you look back, try to discern his presence with you then. What do you think God might have been saying to you at those times?
David’s abiding images of God are as his Rock and as his Saviour, and these images help him to see beyond the struggles and to raise his voice in praise to God.
What are the issues that are swirling around you at the moment? Can you call out to God with them? He will hear you and he will answer. He is your Rock and he is your Saviour.
How would you express your praise to God today? Can you put them into words? Would it help to write them down as David has done?
Pray:
The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Saviour!
Amen
I will call upon the Lord