Psalm 18 - The Contemplative Bible Meditation Series

Psalm 18 is a poetic outpouring of King David's gratitude and praise for the divine for deliverance from his enemies.

This sacred passage holds timeless significance for modern leaders offering a profound message of hope,

Comfort and trust in the face of life's challenges.

As we embark on this meditative journey through each verse,

Let us draw on its wisdom to deepen our relationship with the higher power and find solace in times of need.

Psalm 18 I will love you,

O Lord,

My strength.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God,

My strength,

In whom I will trust,

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold.

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised,

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

The pangs of death surround me and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

The sorrows of Sheol 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 came before him,

Even to his ears.

Then the earth shook and trembled.

The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken.

Because he was angry,

Smoke went up from his nostrils and devouring fire from his mouth,

Coals were kindled by it.

He bowed the heavens also and came down with darkness under his feet.

And he rode a cherub and flew.

He flew upon the wings of the wind.

He made darkness his secret place.

His canopy around him was dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.

From the brightness before him,

His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.

The Lord thundered from heaven and the Most High uttered his voice,

Hailstones and coals of fire.

He set out his arrows and scattered the four lightnings in abundance and he vanquished them.

Then the channels of the sea were seen,

The foundations of the world were uncovered at your rebuke,

O Lord,

At the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

He sent from above,

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 strong for me.

They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

But the Lord was my support.

He also brought me out into a broad place.

He delivered me because he delighted in me.

The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands he has recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For all his judgments were before me and I did not put away his statues from me.

I was also blameless before him and I kept myself from my iniquity.

Therefore,

The Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

With a merciful you will show yourself merciful.

With a blameless man you will show yourself blameless.

With a pure you will show yourself pure and with a devious you will show yourself shrewd.

For you will save the humble people but will bring down haughty looks.

For you will light my lamp,

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

For by you I can run against a troop,

By my God I can leap over a wall.

As for God,

His way is perfect.

The word of the Lord is proven,

He is a shield to all who trust in him.

For who is God except the Lord and who is a rock except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places.

He teaches my hands to make war so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

You have also given me the shield of your salvation.

Your right hand has held me up,

Your gentleness has made me great.

You enlarged my path under me so my feet did not slip.

I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them.

I have wounded them so that they could not rise.

They have fallen under my feet.

For you have armed me with strength for the battle.

You have subdued under me those who rose against me.

You have also given me the necks of my enemies so that I destroyed those who hated me.

They cried out but there was none to save,

Even to the Lord but he did not answer them.

Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind.

I cast them out like dirt in the streets.

You have delivered me from the strivings of the people.

You have made me the head of the nations.

A people I have not known shall serve me.

As soon as they hear of me,

They obey me.

The foreigners submit to me.

The foreigners fade away and come frightened from their hideouts.

The Lord lives,

Blessed be my rock,

Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

It is God who avenges me and subdues the peoples under me.

He delivers me from my enemies.

You also lift me up above those who rise against me.

You have delivered me from the violent man.

Therefore,

I will give thanks to you,

O Lord,

Among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.

Great deliverance he gives to his king and shows mercy to his anointed,

To David and his descendants forevermore.

Verse 1.

I will love you,

O Lord,

My strength.

In this opening verse,

David proclaims his love and devotion to the divine,

Recognizing the source of his strength.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the love we have for the higher power.

In moments of weakness,

May we find strength to surrender our burdens and trust in the unwavering support of the divine's love.

Verse 2.

The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God,

My strength in whom I will trust,

My shield and the horn of my salvation,

My stronghold.

The divine is described as a rock,

A fortress,

A deliverer,

And a shield.

Let us envision the divine as our unshakable foundation and the source of protection and salvation.

May we find refuge in the divine's embrace,

Trusting that we are safe and secure under its loving guidance.

Verse 3.

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised,

So shall I be saved from my enemies.

David's reliance on the higher power's worthy name in times of distress reflects his trust in divine deliverance.

Let us meditate on the power of calling upon the divine in our own lives.

In moments of adversity,

May we find the courage to seek the higher power's guidance,

Knowing that we shall be saved from the challenges that beset us.

Verse 4.

The pangs of death surround me and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

David candidly expresses his fear and despair in the face of adversity.

In our moments of reflection,

Let us acknowledge the times we too have felt overwhelmed and afraid.

May we find comfort in the knowledge that the divine is a compassionate and understanding presence,

Ready to ease our fears and comfort us in times of distress.

Verse 5.

The sorrows of Sheol surround me,

The snares of death confronted me.

The depth of David's distress is mirrored in his description of sorrows and snares.

Let us release our sorrows and fears to the divine.

May we find peace in the assurance that the higher power's love and protection are ever present,

Guiding us to the darkest moments of our lives.

Verse 6.

In my distress,

I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God.

He heard my voice from His temple and my cry came before Him even to His ears.

Let us embrace the practice of calling upon the higher power in our own lives,

Trust that our prayers are heard and our cries are received with compassion and love,

Reaching the divine's eyes and heart.

Verse 7.

When the earth shook and trembled,

The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken because He was angry.

Let us recognize that the same power that moves mountains is also the source of unwavering love and protection.

May we trust in the higher power's divine plan knowing that its love guides us even in times of change and uncertainty.

Verse 8.

Smoke went up from His nostrils and devouring fire from His mouth,

Coals were kindled by it.

David's description of the divine's anger using powerful imagery emphasizes its righteous fury.

Let us find solace in knowing that the divine's anger is reserved for injustice and evil.

May we find comfort in the knowledge that the higher power's love and protection are the constant force in our lives,

Guiding us away from harm and towards a path of righteousness.

Verse 9.

He bowed the heavens also and came down with darkness under His feet.

The divine's presence descending from the heavens is a profound image of divine manifestation.

In our moments of reflection,

Let us embrace the higher power's presence,

Envisioning its loving embrace surrounding us.

In times of darkness and uncertainty,

May we find comfort in the divine's light,

Guiding us with grace and wisdom.

Verse 10.

And He rode upon a cherub and flew.

He flew upon the wings of the wind.

This image of the divine soaring on the wings of the wind evokes a sense of omnipresence and power.

Let us recognize the higher power's omnipresence in our lives,

Trusting that we are guided through every twist and turn of life's journey.

Verse 11.

He made darkness His secret place.

His canopy around Him was dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.

This verse speaks to the mysterious nature of the higher power.

Let us embrace the mystery of the divine's ways,

Knowing that even in moments of uncertainty,

The higher power surrounds us with its love and protection.

Verse 12.

From the brightness before Him,

His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.

The image of hailstones and coals of fire symbolizes the divine's powerful presence.

As we meditate on this verse,

Let us approach the higher power with reverence and humility.

Embrace the guidance of the divine,

Trusting in its divine plan for our life.

Verse 13.

He sent out His arrows and scattered the four lightnings in abundance and He vanquished them.

David's words celebrate the divine's power to scatter the four and bring victory through abundant lighting.

The higher power is our protector and defender.

Trust in the divine's guidance to overcome challenges and lead you to triumph over adversity.

Verse 14.

Then the channels of the sea were seen.

The foundations of the world were uncovered at your rebuke,

O Lord,

At the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

In this verse,

David's words remind us of the divine's authority over creation which can reveal and uncover the hidden depths of existence.

As we reflect on this verse,

Embrace the awe-inspiring power of the higher power,

Recognizing that the same power that moves the seas and shapes the world is also present within you,

Guiding you on your journey.

Verse 15.

He sent from above,

He took me,

He drew me out of many waters.

Here David celebrates the divine's intervention in times of distress,

Drawing him out of the depth of many waters,

Drawing him out of the depth of his troubles.

Let us remember the times the higher power has lifted us from challenging situations,

Guiding us to turbulent waters with grace and compassion.

Verse 16.

He delivered me from my strong enemy,

From those who hated me,

For they were too strong for me.

At times we feel overwhelmed by the challenges that life puts before us.

In these times,

May we trust in the divine's protection that it can deliver us from even the strongest adversaries we may face.

Verse 17.

They confronted me in the day of my calamity,

But the Lord was my support.

We face difficulty at many times in our lives.

In times like this,

Let us be the minded to call upon the higher power for support in our moments of difficulty.

And may we find strength and comfort in the assurance that the divine is our steadfast companion,

Supporting us through every trial.

Verse 18.

He also brought me out into a broad place.

He delivered me because he delighted in me.

David's words express the joy of being brought to a broad place by the divine's deliverance.

Let us remember the times the higher power has brought us to a place of freedom and expansiveness.

Let us embrace the understanding that the divine delights in us,

Guiding us to the paths of fulfillment and growth.

Verse 19.

The Lord rewarded me according to my own righteousness.

According to the cleanness of my hands,

He has recompensed me.

In this verse,

We are encouraged to reflect on how our actions align with divine principles.

Trust that the higher power recognizes and rewards acts of goodness and integrity,

Bringing blessings into our lives.

Verse 20.

For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God.

David's commitment to following the ways of the divine serves as an example for us to live with integrity and devotion.

Let us examine our own spiritual journey.

Embrace the practice of staying connected to the higher power,

Finding comfort and peace in steadfastly following the path of love and righteousness.

Verse 21.

For all his judgments were before me and I did not put away his statues from me.

David's obedience to the divine's judgments and statues highlights the significance of embracing divine guidance.

Let us open our hearts to the divine's wisdom and teaching.

May we find peace and trust in following the higher power's path,

Knowing that it leads us to a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Verse 22.

I was also blameless before him and I kept myself from my iniquity.

David's commitment to being blameless before the divine encourages us to confront our own shortcomings and strive for growth.

In our meditation,

Let us recognize the areas where we can improve.

Embrace the process of self-reflection and transformation,

Knowing that the higher powers love and grace support us on this journey.

Verse 23.

Therefore,

The Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness,

According to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

David's acknowledgement of divine recompense for righteousness speaks to the power of divine justice.

As we meditate on this verse,

Let us trust in the higher power's perfect balance of justice and compassion.

May we find comfort in knowing that our efforts towards goodness and righteousness are seen and rewarded by the divine.

Verse 24.

With the merciful,

You will show yourself merciful.

With the blameless man,

You will show yourself blameless.

David's understanding of the divine's reciprocity in mercy and blamelessness is a profound reminder of the interconnectedness of our actions and divine responses.

In our moments of reflection,

Let us cultivate compassion and forgiveness in our own lives.

Embrace the power of living with an open heart,

Knowing that the higher power responds to us in kind.

Verse 25.

With the pure,

You will show yourself pure and with the devious,

You will show yourself shrewd.

David's wisdom in recognizing that the divine responds to us based on our inner qualities is a call to self-awareness and transformation.

In our meditation,

Let us strive for purity of heart and intention.

Embrace the higher power's guidance to navigate our lives with integrity.

Finding peace in the knowledge that the divine supports our pursuit of truth and goodness.

Verse 26.

For you will save the humble people but will bring down haughty looks.

The divine's preference for humility over haughtiness calls us to embody humility in our own lives.

As we meditate,

Let us release the ego's grip on our hearts.

Embracing the power of humility and vulnerability,

Trust that the higher power's saving grace is extended to those who walk with humility and sincerity.

Verse 27.

For you will light my lamp,

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.

Envision the divine's light shining upon your path.

Embrace the guidance and clarity the higher power brings dispelling the darkness of doubt and confusion.

Verse 28.

For by you I can run against a troop,

By my God I can leap over a wall.

Let us draw strength from the higher power knowing that it enables us to surmount even the greatest obstacles.

Embrace the divine power within allowing you to transcend perceived limitations and embrace new possibilities.

Verse 29.

As for God,

His way is perfect.

The word of the Lord is proven.

He is a shield to all who trust in him.

God's recognition of the perfection of the divine's way and the reliability of his word is a testament to the higher power's faithfulness.

Let us place our trust in the divine's guidance and protection.

Finding peace in the knowledge that the higher power is a steadfast shield always supporting us as we journey through life.

Verse 30.

For who is God except the Lord and who is a rock except our God?

David's rhetorical questions affirm the uniqueness and supreme nature of the higher power.

In our moments of reflection let us acknowledge the majesty and sovereignty of the divine.

Embrace the higher power as your rock and foundation finding comfort in its unwavering presence and guidance.

Verse 31.

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

In this verse let us recognize the grace and love that flow to us enabling us to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

Verse 32.

He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places.

The image of deer like feet represents the agility and grace that the divine bestows upon us.

Let us surrender to the higher power's guidance allowing it to lift us to higher planes of consciousness and understanding.

Embrace the higher power's gentle nudges guiding you towards the heights of your potential.

Verse 33.

He teaches my hands to make war so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

David's recognition of the divine's teachings in the art of war symbolizes the guidance we receive in facing life's battles.

Let us embrace the lessons the higher power imparts empowering us to meet challenges with wisdom and strength.

Trust in the higher power's guidance to wield your inner strength with grace and compassion.

Verse 34.

You have also given me the shield of your salvation.

Your right hand has held me up.

Your gentleness has made me great.

David's gratitude for the divine's shield of salvation speaks to the higher power's protection in our lives.

Let us acknowledge the support and comfort that the divine offers.

May we find solace in the assurance that the higher power's gentle embrace uplifts us enabling greatness in our endeavors.

Verse 35.

You enlarged my path under me so my feet did not slip.

The divine's role in providing stability and spaciousness on David's journey is a reminder of the higher power's care for us.

Envision the divine widening your path ensuring sure-footedness and balance and embrace the higher power's love knowing that it guides you through every step of life's journey.

Verse 36.

I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them.

Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.

This reflects the power of steadfast determination and the divine's support.

Let us embrace the courage and resilience that the higher power instills in us.

Trust that with divine guidance you can overcome obstacles and pursue your goals with unwavering determination.

Verse 37.

I have wounded them so that they could not rise.

They have fallen under my feet.

David's words express his victory over adversaries with the help of the divine's strength.

In our moments of reflection let us recognize the higher power's power flowing through us.

Embrace the knowledge that the higher power enables you to rise above challenges conquering that which seeks to bring you down.

Verse 38.

For you have armed me with strength for the battle you have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

David's recognition of the divine's empowerment in the face of battle reinforces the higher power's goal as our greatest ally.

As we meditate envision the higher power arming you with strength and courage.

Be encrushed in the divine's support as you face life battles knowing that with its aid you are invincible.

Verse 39.

You have also given me the necks of my enemies so that I destroyed those who hated me.

Let us find comfort in the higher power's care.

May we embrace the knowledge that the divine stands with us helping us overcome adversity and bringing harmony and peace into our lives.

Verse 40.

They cried out but there was none to save even to the Lord but he did not answer them.

This verse reminds us of the consequences of those who reject divine guidance.

Let us recognize the importance of seeking the higher power's guidance with humility and sincerity.

Embrace the opportunity to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with the divine knowing that it responds to earnest calls for help.

Verse 41.

Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind.

I cast them out like dirt in the streets.

As we meditate let us be mindful of the power that the higher power bestows upon us.

Embrace the wisdom to use this power for good,

Casting out negativity and cultivating a life aligned with divine principles.

Verse 42.

You have delivered me from the strivings of the people.

You have made me the head of the nations.

A people I have not known shall serve me.

David's acknowledgement of divine deliverance and guidance signifies the higher power's role in shaping our destinies.

In our moments of reflection let us trust in the higher power's divine plan for our lives.

Embrace the knowledge that the divine's guidance will lead you to places and experiences you may not have foreseen ultimately serving your highest good.

Verse 43.

As soon as they hear of me they obey me.

The foreigners submit to me.

David's words highlight the impact of divine presence and leadership in our life.

Let us reflect on the ways the higher power's guidance influences our interactions with others.

May we find comfort in the knowledge that the divine's light shines through us inspiring and guiding those around us with grace and love.

Verse 44.

The foreigners fade away and come frightened from their hideouts.

David's poetic imagery emphasizes the power of divine protection over adversaries.

As we reflect let us recognize that the higher power's love and protection are always at hand dispersing negativity and fear.

Embrace the comforting presence of the divine knowing that it shields you from harm and leads you to a place of peace.

Verse 45.

The Lord lives.

Blessed be my rock.

Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

In our meditation let us offer gratitude and praise to the source of our salvation and strength.

Embrace the joy of knowing that the higher power is with you always offering love,

Protection and guidance on your journey.

Verse 46.

It is God who avenges me and subdues the people under me.

David's recognition of divine justice underscores the higher power's role in balancing the scales.

In our moments of reflection let us surrender our desires for vengeance trusting in the higher power's ultimate wisdom and fairness.

Embrace the peace that comes with knowing the divine's justice will prevail.

Verse 47.

He delivers me from my enemies.

You also lift me up above those who rise against me.

You have delivered me from the violent man.

David's words affirm the higher power's consistent protection and deliverance from our enemies.

Let us find comfort in the higher power's loving embrace knowing that it lifts us above the challenges we face.

Embrace the assurance that the divine's presence and support enable us to rise above adversity.

Verse 48.

Therefore I give thanks to you O Lord among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.

This is an invitation for us to share our gratitude and devotion to the higher power with the world.

Let us remember the many blessings the divine has bestowed upon us.

Let us embrace the joy of expressing our gratitude and praise spreading the message of divine love and guidance to all we encounter.

Verse 49.

Great deliverance he gives to his king and shows mercy to his anointed,

To David and his descendants forevermore.

The assurance of divine deliverance and mercy extended to David's descendants signifies the higher power's eternal presence and love.

Let us feel the timeless embrace of the divine's mercy in our own lives.

Let us embrace the understanding that the higher power's love is boundless and enduring,

Guiding us and our loved ones forevermore.

As we conclude this meditation on Psalm 18,

Let us center ourselves in the presence of the divine.

So take a moment to close your eyes,

Breathe deeply and feel the love and comfort of the higher power surrounding you.

Dear divine,

Thank you for the wisdom and inspiration we find in Psalm 18.

We are grateful for the reminder that you are our rock,

Our fortress and our deliverer ever-present in times of distress.

May we trust in your guidance and embrace the lessons of humility,

Compassion and righteousness that you impart.

In moments of fear,

Remind us of your unwavering love and protection.

In times of uncertainty,

Help us find comfort in your divine light,

Illuminating our path with clarity and grace.

Guide us to walk with integrity and to be a source of love and inspiration to others.

We offer our gratitude for the strength you bestow upon us,

Empowering us to overcome adversity and soar to new heights.

May your peace envelope our hearts and fill us with tranquility in the face of life's challenges.

As we move forward,

May we carry the wisdom of Psalm 18 in our hearts,

Trusting in your divine plan and finding solace in your eternal love.

Let us be beacons of your light,

Sharing the blessings of your grace with all we encounter.

Amen.