Do we look to God for protection, for deliverance? Do we sing God’s praise? What is the purpose of praise? Let’s look at 2 Samuel 22.
Would a former shepherd like David see a high rock as a safe place for sheep from predators? Is the Lord our refuge from violent people?
David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: “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 savior—from violent people you save me. (2 Samuel 22:1-3 NIV)
In times of distress do we trust the Lord to hear our prayers for deliverance?
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. “When the waves of death surrounded me, The floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of Sheol [the grave] surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry entered His ears. (2 Samuel 22:4-7 NKJV)
How great is our God? Do we trust that He will scatter our enemies?
Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the heavens shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind. He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dense rain clouds. A great brightness shone around him, and burning coals blazed forth. The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot arrows and scattered his enemies; his lightning flashed, and they were confused. Then at the command of the Lord, at the blast of his breath, the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare. (2 Samuel 22:8-16 NLT)
Do we trust that God will rescue us from extreme situations and strong enemies?
He sent from on high and he took me. He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support. He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:17-20 WEB)
Do we trust that the Lord will reward us for keeping His ways?
The Lord rewarded me for my righteousness; he restored me because my hands are clean, because I have kept the Lord’s ways. I haven’t acted wickedly against my God. All his rules are right in front of me; I haven’t turned away from any of his laws. I have lived with integrity before him; I’ve kept myself from wrongdoing. And so the Lord restored me for my righteousness, because I am clean in his eyes. (2 Samuel 22:21-25 CEB)
Is God always loyal to the loyal and faithful to the faithful? Will He defeat our enemies?
You are always loyal to your loyal people, and you are faithful to the faithful. With all who are sincere you are sincere, but you treat the unfaithful as their deeds deserve. You rescue the humble, but you look for ways to put down the proud. Our Lord and God, you are my lamp. You turn darkness to light. You help me defeat armies and capture cities. (2 Samuel 22:26-30 CEV)
Is God’s way perfect? Is His word true? Is He our strong refuge?
This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. “For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (2 Samuel 22:31-34 ESV)
Are we at war against evil? Do we take the shield of salvation?
He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of Your salvation; Your help exalts me. You widen a place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way. I pursue my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until they are wiped out. I wipe them out and crush them, and they do not rise; they fall beneath my feet. (2 Samuel 22:35-39 HCSB)
Do we have strength from God to face life’s battles? Can we defeat life’s enemies?
You strengthened me with valor sufficient for the battle; you made those who rebelled against me fall beneath me. You made my enemies turn and run—that is, those who hate me—and I destroyed them! They looked around, but there was no one to save them—they looked to the Lord, but he paid no attention! I pulverized them to powder, like the dust of the earth; I crushed them, stomping on them like mud on a street. (2 Samuel 22:40-43 ISV)
Will God deliver us from the attacks of false friends and strangers?
Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. (2 Samuel 22:44-46 KJV)
Does God deliver us from enemies and will He place us above them? Do we sing God’s praises? Are we of Christ, David’s seed?
Yahweh lives, and blessed be my rock; And let God, the rock of my salvation, be lifted high, The God who executes vengeance for me, And brings down peoples under me, Who also brings me out from my enemies; You even lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Yahweh, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name. He gives great salvation to His king, And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his seed forever.” (2 Samuel 22:47-51 LSB)
What is the purpose of praise, insincere flattery or acknowledging the truth about God?
But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24 NASB)
Do we look to God for protection, for deliverance? Do we sing God’s praise? What is the purpose of praise? You decide!
