The Lord Is My Rock

​ David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation.
He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—
from violent people you save me.

2 Samuel 22:1-3 NIV

David was a man of war. For a portion of his life, he was a fugitive, fleeing from King Saul and leading a band of outlaws. Even after he became king, warfare remained constant as he defended and expanded his realm. And this song of David reflects his military background. All of these descriptive terms reflect the places of strength and safety to which David often took refuge, especially when fleeing from Saul. But David, even though he fled to literal fortresses and strongholds, recognized that they were not ultimately what protected him.

A Fortress and Rock

David realized that ultimately it was God who protected him. God was his rock, his fortress, and his deliverer. David, while moving from stronghold to stronghold in the wilderness, understood that without God’s protection, all his maneuvering would be in vain.

And what was true for David is just as true for me today. I have a retirement income, own my home, and have good health and insurance. But what good are they if I don’t have God protecting what really matters? My hope is in Him. Even if all else around me should fail, I can trust in Him. He is my deliverer and my savior. The Lord is my rock.