Last week I spoke out of 1 Samuel where King Saul had been pursuing David, hoping to kill him. From the moment he was anointed by Samuel, David faced many challenges—none more daunting than being pursued by King Saul. Yet, despite the danger and uncertainty, David’s heart was anchored in God’s promises. He knew that the God who had anointed him was the same God who would protect him from harm.
Psalm18:2 is a powerful reminder of this truth. Listen to what it says: “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.”
There is comfort in knowing that God is our protector. Throughout the scriptures, we find the assurance that God watches over us, defends us, and shelters us in times of trouble. One of the clearest examples of this was found in the life of David.
It’s believed that David wrote this Psalm shortly after being delivered from Saul and his many attempts to kill him. God was his deliverer, but David’s situation reminds us that God’s protection doesn’t always mean the absence of difficulty.
David had to flee, hide in caves, and live as a fugitive. But in those dark moments, he turned to God as his refuge and strength. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” David experienced this truth firsthand. His life was often in danger, but he knew that God’s hand was upon him, guiding him and shielding him from harm.
An illustration of this protection can be seen in the story of a shepherd who tends to his sheep. The shepherd doesn’t always keep the sheep in a pen where no danger exists. Instead, he leads them through valleys and pastures, watching over them carefully. When a predator comes near, the shepherd is ready with his staff to defend the sheep. God is our Good Shepherd. He may allow us to walk through difficult valleys, but He is always there, ready to protect us.
We may not face a physical enemy like David did with Saul, but there are times when we feel pursued by anxiety, fear, or uncertainty. In those moments, we can take refuge in God’s promises and remember that He has not left us defenseless. As Romans 8:31 declares, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but rather an assurance that God’s power and presence will sustain us through every battle.
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