Confidence in God’s Gentleness

David was transformed from a young shepherd to a mighty king, warrior and poet. No matter the highs, lows, triumphs, and failures he experienced, he didn’t fail to give glory to God. 

God reached down and saved him when he fought Goliath and later King Saul. God stretched out his mighty hand to support him and protect him. Throughout ancient literature, the right hand was symbolic of respect, power, and authority. 

David had confidence in God and his faithfulness. Not only that, but he also understood God’s gentleness, mercy, and compassion. In Psalm 103 David notes that our God has compassion for us “as a father has compassion on his children”. We see His gentleness at the cross, where being led like a lamb to the slaughter Jesus remained silent. We are called to draw on this humility in our own lives and raise our praises to God as we continue to be molded in his image. 

When heavy-hearted or distracted, it can be easy to forget that all we have and all we are is owed to God, a fact that David does not forget in Psalm 18:35. He continues this sentiment throughout the Psalms: David not only starts Psalm 103 with “praise the Lord, my soul”, but he also ends on them too, demonstrating the practice regular of praise is an ongoing part of our relationship to him.