By Jason Scherzer
The Word
Psalm 18:3
I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
Psalm 18:16-21
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I am not guilty of turning from my God.
Reflection Questions
1. Do I place my confidence regularly and consistently in God?
2. Do I make an idol of any human institutions, expecting them to be a source of ultimate satisfaction?
King David in Israel understood the human struggle for political power and narrowly escaped with his life on more than one occasion. He recognized that God had undeniably intervened in the situation to save David’s life and keep him protected from his enemies. David had a specific calling from God on his life, and anointing, to be king in Israel. However, he had many enemies, including those on the side of Saul, the first king of Israel.
David writes Psalm 18, using poetic language to express the spiritual reality of salvation from physical danger and ultimate salvation of his life in God for eternity. God, as it were, lifted David out of deep waters and placed him into a safe place where he experienced the presence of God and the knowledge that God had worked a miracle to keep his enemies from harming David. Let’s keep in mind that Saul had an entire army at his disposal to pursue David.
His writing tells us that David received favor from God because of his righteousness, and also the cleanness of his hands. He also made sure not to turn away from God. Righteousness comes only from God, by faith in His action to make payment for our sin, which He did through the Son of God so that we could be forgiven of all our sin.
Application
David was undoubtedly disappointed with Saul’s failure as a king, yet his attitude toward Saul was never accusatory, dishonoring, or subversive. In fact, David proactively showed honor to Saul on many occasions. Political rulers or politicians in office will often disappoint us immensely. Our response to them is very important. With even the slightest disrespect, we may lose our opportunity to show a true example of a Christian attitude. Respect and honor toward a leader are not the same as complete agreement with every viewpoint.
Often when those in leadership disappoint us, it is easy to lose hope. This is when we need to have the attitude, “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3). So call upon God, who is an ever-present help in times of trouble. Tell Him how great He is and that you appreciate His faithfulness, trustworthiness, mercy, and love. Tell Him how good He is, and that He never disappoints, as human leaders so often do disappoint.
Guard your words with regards to any leaders with whom you might not agree. But give complete allegiance to King Jesus, because His kingdom is the ultimate reality. Be ready to respectfully give the reason for the hope that you have in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, You are the King eternal, everlasting, and glorious. But it is difficult for us to live in this fallen world under seriously flawed governments and leaders. This world is not our permanent home, because we are longing for and seeking Your kingdom. Strengthen us and keep our eyes focused on You, while we seek to live in harmony under the flawed political systems of this world. Save us, God! Save us from everything and everyone in this world that opposes us, and save us from our sin, because of Jesus. Praise be to You forever and ever. Amen.
City Life Starter 
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