In the Lord I Take Refuge: 31 Days in the PsalmsSample

The Lord’s strong deliverance of David from Saul elicits from David a song of love (v. 1). The Lord has delivered David from deadly peril at the hands of an aggressive and hostile enemy. David recognizes that it is only by God’s mercy and provision that he has been spared.

While David appeals to his uprightness, we should remember two things. First, the events of this psalm are described in 2 Samuel, the book in which David’s greatest sins are narrated. Second, David is not claiming sinless perfection but is merely acknowledging that Saul has been aggressive toward him in a way far out of proportion to what David deserved. David is being treated unjustly. But God has delivered him.

“But the psalm is not merely biographical of David, nor is it simply pietistic words for the worshiper. When David speaks similar words elsewhere, it is apparent that the purpose of preserving his line is to provide a Redeemer for the world (2 Sam. 7:4–17; 22:1–51). Indeed, the note on which he ends this psalm is of God’s covenant commitment “to David and his offspring forever” (Ps. 18:50). It is only in Jesus that this commitment finds its pinnacle and truest fulfillment. God’s gracious character and care find their ultimate revelation in Christ Jesus. When we look at our Savior, we see the flesh-and-blood embodiment of the care and provision God showed to David.

We can trust God, no matter how dire the circumstance. For in the gospel, the direst of circumstances—our deserved condemnation and an eternity in hell—have already been emptied of their threat and power.