From Darkest Trials to Blessed Light

Day 30:  Psalms 18:4-9

            Psalm 18:4 The pangs of death surrounded me and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

            Jesus, these words in some way picture Your death on the cross to pay for the sins of all Your children there at Calvary. King David is remembering back the human enemies, but You, Lord Jesus, faced not only the plots and the conspiracies of men, but of principalities and powers, of the devil and his minions. Even Jonah and Job felt the cold fingers of death seeking to draw them to despair.

Death and the grave and our guilt still frighten us, until we turn to more fully trust in the One who conquered sin and death for us! Lord, You hold me in Your hand. I do not need to fear even when it seems all hope is lost. Help me hear and obey in faith the many exhortations from You to “Fear not!”

            Psalm 18:5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me. The snares of death confronted me. 

            Lord, as oppressive as my trials seem at times, they are no comparison to what Christ underwent for us. Lord, around the world people are persecuted for their faith. Help them, O Lord.  Please help me, too, though my sufferings are as nothing compared to these others. There are times when I felt my oppression was too great. There seemed to be none to help. Yet, Lord, I laid down and slept. You gave me peace. O Lord, give us Your grace that we may stand before You.

            Psalm 18:6 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.

            Lord, even as You delivered Your Son from the bonds of hell and the grave, so You have heard and delivered us from our trials through Him. You have brought us to a pleasant place and encouraged our hearts. Thank You, O Lord, for all You do for us. When we had no strength remaining, You were our strength. You prepared the path before us. We give You thanks and praise.

            Psalm 18:7 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, because He was angry.

            O Lord, You moved us. You rearranged our lives for Your glory. You have shaken the heavens and the earth to deliver us from sin and the grave! You strengthened us and sustained us through the storms. Praise be to You, O Christ.

            Psalm 18:8 Smoke went up from His nostrils and devouring fire from His mouth. Coals were kindled by it.

            Lord, You have brought some justice upon those who have continued to refuse Your grace. You have warned us that there will be fire and brimstone. Your wrath and judgment are real. Woe to those who will not heed Your warnings!

            Psalm 18:9 He bowed the heavens also, and came down with darkness under His feet.

            Lord, You have covered us with Your presence, even as you passed over Israel, and brought Your wrath upon Egypt. You have met us in our trials and sufferings. You have helped us through the darkness, the trials and the anguish with the blood sacrifice of Your only Son.  O Lord, we thank You. O Lord, we praise You. O Lord, we trust in You and Your deliverance from all that is evil!