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What words would you use to describe God? Why would you choose particular words, and how do your situations influence those choices?
King David used eight different words to describe God as he wrote Psalm 18:1-2. He chose each word carefully to express his personal, present-tense relationship with God—look with me as David expressed his present reality: God is my strength. David considered God his source and provision for strength and courage. When he felt weak, God gave him boldness and restoration. With God's help, David found the ability to prevail and face life's challenges.
God is my rock. Today, we don’t often use this kind of language, but David did. For him, God was his security. Where do you find your security? In a job? A financial situation? Retirement accounts or possessions? David declared God to be his.
God is my fortress. A fortress was a stronghold, a place of protection— and David described God this way. God is our fortress too, one that never fails or falters.
God is my deliverer. God brought David safely through danger. A deliverer sets free, saves and rescues— and David trusted God to do exactly that.
God is my refuge. Sometimes we need a refuge, a place to feel safe and valued. Is God this for you? In Hebrew, this phrase highlights God as the very basis of security, a place of hope and protection.
God is my shield. Picture a warrior thrusting a shield forward to take the brunt of battle’s first assaults. That’s what God does for us. I often picture myself encapsulated by His safety. Ephesians reminds us of the shield of faith— extinguishing the fiery darts of harm.
God is my horn of salvation. Animals like bison, deer and rhinos use their horns for protection and provision. In Scripture, a horn symbolizes strength, safety and deliverance. The phrase “horn of my salvation” refers to and points to Jesus, who provided our salvation.
God is my stronghold. Perhaps David finished with this word to encompass all the other descriptions. God is all these things—and more—for us today.
Until next week,
Anita
Onarecker, a writer, author and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
