David publically acknowledged in this Psalm the depths of his soul’s firm belief that the Lord God’s blessing had made freedom from his enemy’s oppression a reality. This Psalm was written sometime between Saul’s suicide (1 Samuel 30-31; 1 Chronicles 10) and when David’s kingship over all of Israel was finally fully established (2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 14). 2 Samuel 5:12 and 1 Chronicles 14:2 declare the truth, “David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.”
Remembering and believing the Lord God’s promise for many years against all known possibilities, and then seeing it fulfilled by faith through grace David proclaims, “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.” When the promise became a reality God reminded him through the prophet Nathan, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.” (2 Samuel 7:8-9)
David’s rhetorical question, “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” establishes the believer’s hope for the future, whose present life events have proven bleak and barren; meaningless and forgotten. God strengthens me so that I can continue. God makes my way and that way is perfect though currently not pleasant. His eventual victory makes a joyous dance in the elegance of a deer’s vaulted springs begin. It enables a stable stance on a rocky mount height in the assurance of a ram’s confidence.
All the life engagements’ victories are made possible by the Lord God. He trains me for battle. He protects with his shield. He stoops down to make me great. He broadens the path and keeps the ankle from turning. Everything that leads to the sure jubilance is all because of God. I should never forget and always proclaim this truth.
