Welcome to Day 2450 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:46-50

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2450 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2450 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue from our previous episodes, where we’ve explored how King David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, penned this magnificent psalm to praise God for delivering him from all his enemies and the hand of Saul. David, a warrior and a man after God’s heart, experienced life’s ups and downs—battles, betrayals, victories, and defeats. Yet through it all, he recognized that his strength and salvation came from God alone. Today, we will delve into the concluding verses of Psalm 18, specifically verses 46 through 50, from the New Living Translation. These final verses form a powerful declaration of praise and thanksgiving to God, who is not only David’s deliverer but also the deliverer of His people. David reflects on God’s faithfulness in this passage and proclaims His goodness for all to hear. Let’s embark on this trek together, allowing the wisdom of these verses to guide us as we journey toward a deeper understanding of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 18:46-50 (NLT): 46 The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted! 47 He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me 48 and rescues me from my enemies. You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents. 49 For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 50 You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever. The Living God: We begin with verse 46, where David boldly proclaims, “The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted!” In this powerful declaration, David starts by affirming the reality and presence of God. “The Lord lives!”—this is not just a statement of belief, but a shout of triumph, recognizing that the God of Israel is not a distant or lifeless deity. He is the living God, active and present in the lives of His people. This living God is the source of all life, strength, and deliverance. He is not an idea, a philosophy, or an abstract concept. He is the living, breathing, sovereign Lord intimately involved in humanity’s affairs. David then moves to praise, exalting God as his Rock. The imagery of God as a Rock is powerful and multifaceted. A rock is solid, unchanging, and immovable, symbolizing stability and protection. For David, God is the unshakable foundation upon which he builds his life. Amid battles and trials, when everything around him was in turmoil, David found his security in the unchanging nature of God. He continues by calling for the exaltation of “the God of my salvation.” Here, David acknowledges that God is the one who has saved him, not just from physical danger, but from every form of destruction. Salvation, in the fullest sense, encompasses deliverance from all that threatens our physical and spiritual well-being. David exalts God because he knows that without Him, there would be no victory, no safety, no hope. In our own lives, this verse challenges us to reflect on the reality of God’s presence. Do we recognize that the Lord lives—actively working in our circumstances, providing for our needs, and being our Rock and salvation? And do we exalt Him as David did, giving Him the praise and honor due to His name? Divine Justice and Deliverance: Verse 47 expands on God’s role as David’s protector and avenger: “He is the God who pays back those who harm me; he subdues the nations under me.” David acknowledges God’s justice in this verse. The Lord is not only the one who saves but also the one who enacts justice on behalf of His people. David had many enemies, both within Israel and from surrounding nations, who sought to harm him. Yet he trusted that God would repay them for their evil deeds. This is an essential truth for us to grasp—God is a God of justice. He sees the wrongs done to His people and, in His perfect timing, He deals with the evildoers. This assurance of divine justice frees us from the burden of seeking revenge. Instead of retaliating against those who wrong us, we can trust that God will handle it. This doesn’t mean we passively accept injustice; instead, we actively trust in God’s sovereign justice and His ability to right all wrongs. David also recognizes God’s hand in subduing the nations under him. Throughout David’s reign, he faced numerous military challenges from surrounding nations. Yet, it was God who subdued these nations, ensuring David’s victories. The word “subdue” here carries the idea of bringing under control or subjecting to authority. David knew that his military successes were not due to his own strength or strategy alone, but because of God’s intervention. In our spiritual battles, we, too, can trust that God will subdue whatever forces or circumstances come against us. Whether it’s internal struggles, external opposition, or spiritual warfare, God is the one who ultimately brings victory. Our part is to trust Him and remain faithful, knowing He is in control. God’s Protection and Safety: Verse 48 continues this theme, focusing on God’s protective power: “He rescues me from my enemies; you hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies; you save me from violent opponents.” David expresses profound gratitude for God’s protection. In a world filled with danger and violence, David knew that it was God who kept him safe. The language here is deeply personal—“You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies.” This isn’t just a general statement about God’s protection; it’s an intimate acknowledgment of God’s specific care for David. The imagery of being held safe beyond the reach of enemies suggests that God places a protective barrier around His people, ensuring that no harm can come to them unless He allows it. This protection doesn’t mean that we won’t face challenges or threats, but it does mean that God is in control, and He will protect us according to His perfect will. David also mentions being saved from “violent opponents.” Throughout his life, David faced numerous violent threats, from King Saul to various foreign adversaries. Yet in each instance, God intervened to save him. This verse reminds us that God’s protection extends even to the most dire and dangerous situations. No matter how fierce the opposition or how violent the threat is, God is able to rescue and save. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our protector. He sees every threat, knows every danger, and He is more than capable of keeping us safe. Our responsibility is to trust in His protection and not to live in fear, knowing that our lives are in His hands. Praise Among the Nations: Verse 49 shifts the focus to David’s response to God’s deliverance: “For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name.” David’s response to God’s deliverance is one of public praise. He doesn’t keep his gratitude to himself; he proclaims it among the nations. This is significant because David recognizes that God’s works are not just for Israel alone—they are to be proclaimed to all the nations. David’s praise becomes a testimony to God’s greatness, a declaration of His mighty works that transcends cultural and national boundaries. This verse calls us to consider how we respond to God’s work in our lives. Are we quick to share His goodness with others? Do we praise Him publicly, giving Him the glory for the victories and blessings we experience? David’s example challenges us to be bold in our praise, to let our lives be a witness to the greatness of God, so that others may come to know and worship Him. David’s decision to praise God among the nations also reflects a missional aspect of his kingship. He understood that God’s glory was not confined to Israel; it was meant to be spread throughout the world. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative, where God’s ultimate plan is to bless all nations through His chosen people. As followers of Christ, we are called to continue this mission, proclaiming the good news of God’s salvation to all people. God’s Unfailing Love to His Anointed: Finally, in verse 50, David concludes with a powerful declaration of God’s faithfulness: “You give great victories to your king; you show unfailing love to your anointed, to David and all his descendants forever.” David acknowledges that the victories he has experienced are gifts from God. They are not the result of his own abilities, but of God’s grace and favor. This recognition of God’s sovereignty in granting victory is a central theme throughout this psalm. David knows that apart from God, he would have nothing. Moreover, David speaks of God’s “unfailing love” to His anointed. The term “unfailing love” is the Hebrew word “hesed,” which encompasses God’s steadfast, covenantal love. It’s a love that is loyal, enduring, and faithful. David sees himself as the recipient of this covenantal love, not just for his sake, but for the sake of all his descendants. This verse also points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with David in the person of Jesus Christ, the true Anointed One, the Messiah. Jesus, as a descendant of David, is the perfect expression of God’s unfailing love, bringing salvation not just to Israel, but to the entire world. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded that God’s promises are sure, and His love is unfailing. His covenantal faithfulness to David extends to us as well, through Jesus Christ. We can rest in the assurance that God’s love for us is steadfast and unchanging, and that His promises to us are eternal. Conclusion: As we come to the close of Psalm 18, we are left with a profound sense of God’s greatness, justice, protection, and unfailing love. David’s life, with all its battles and victories, serves as a powerful testimony to the faithfulness of God. In the same way, our lives can be testimonies of God’s faithfulness. As we walk in the knowledge that the Lord lives, let us, like David, exalt Him as our Rock and the God of our salvation. Let us trust in His justice and protection, praise Him publicly for His deliverance, and rest in the assurance of His unfailing love. Thank you for joining me on this Wisdom-Trek. May these words from Psalm 18 encourage you to continue seeking God’s wisdom and trusting in His unfailing love. Until next time, I’m Guthrie Chamberlain, reminding you to keep moving forward in the pursuit of wisdom. Keep on trekking, and enjoy your journey to becoming a better version of yourself by following God’s precepts. Reflect… If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!