Words have meanings. What comes from our mouths can articulate what is happening inside our heads and hearts. The psalmist’s putting their affections down on paper, accompanied by music, made theology portable and orthodoxy possible.Â
Take Psalm 18 for example.
1 I love you, Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock,
my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock where I seek refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold.
3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,
and I was saved from my enemies.Psalm 18:1-3.Â
David was a different type of guy. We typically stereotype soldiers one way and poets another, but this guy had no problem having a spear in one hand and a harp in the other. He’s a man’s man. He’s a warrior’s warrior. He’s also a worshipper’s worshipper. He wrote many psalms in addition to Psalm 18. Some of his tunes contain contextual info to provide the story behind the song.
From the information given, Psalm 18 was penned when David had been in harm’s way and survived another attempt on his life. He could have started this song with “I thank you, LORD,” or “I respect you, LORD.” It could have been a warrior showing honor to his general. It could have been a leader showing reverence to his king. Instead, it was a worshiper showing adoration to his rock.
“I love you, LORD, my strength” (Ps. 18:1). Through blood, sweat, and tears, this brave warrior can’t help but express his deep love for God. It’s not weakness to show affection — it’s strength.
God has been David’s rock, fortress, and deliverer. He has shielded him from threats and proven to be his stronghold when all other defenses failed. David called on the LORD and was saved. That’s why God is worthy of worship.
I know many people who fear God. Plenty of us claim to believe in God. But how many of us profess and prove a love for God? We all experience battles in our lives and know what it is like to celebrate victory at the hands of our God. Before you go to the following request for help, thank Him for His previous deliverance. Do more than respect Him. Get practical in the many ways you have to love Him. Share it through prayer or song.
We face many battles in life, but the ultimate victory is ours with God on our side. His strength should catalyze our worship.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
