“You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.” (Psalm 18:35, ESV)

Today is part two of David’s love song to the LORD for delivering him from all his enemies. We see how God made David a successful warrior. David fought the LORD’s battles and beat the enemy until they were like dust in the wind. But who gave David this strength? Who prepared him for warfare? David knew that all he was and everything he did were because of the LORD.

God had given him the shield of salvation. This shield protected David’s heart from the attacks of the enemy. He knew that Yahweh was His Savior, and no matter how intense the battle became, David could count on God to deliver him.

David felt the loving and protective hand of the LORD always supporting him. Whenever he was afraid, he trusted in that hand to hold him securely. And no one could snatch David from His hand!.

Finally, God’s gentleness made David great. This Hebrew word can also be translated humility. It speaks of God condescending like an adult lowering himself to a child’s level to connect with him and draw him close to himself. God stooped down to raise David up. Now that David was king of the nation, he wanted to praise the LORD for all that He had done to give him protection, provision and position.

I think of how gentle and humble the Lord has been with me. I think of how patient He has been with all my faults. He stooped down to lift me up. He laid His life down to give me eternal life. He has given me the desires of my heart. The least I could do is to offer my body to Him to be an instrument of His righteousness.

If God did these things for David because he trusted in Him, then He will do them for you too. His gentleness and humility will lift you up and make you great in Christ. If you suffer with Him now, you will be glorified with Him later (Romans 8:17).

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32, NKJV)