Psalm 18:1 “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. 2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
There is dreadful misery in recalling the terrible trials of our life; but, on the other hand, there is great joy and comfort in recalling how the Lord has delivered us through them all. This Psalm is much like II Samuel 23, which begins with “these be the last words of David” (II Samuel 23:1). So, it seems that, in his old age, David is worshipfully recalling how that, throughout his life, “The Lord” was his “rock”, “fortress, “deliverer”, “God”, “strength”, “buckler”, “horn of” his “salvation”, and his “high tower”. Not only was he recalling his blessings, but he was also declaring that even in his old age “The LORD is” still “my rock …”. He was not focusing so much on his troubles, but he was rejoicing in how the Lord had delivered him. He was so filled with “joy in the Lord” (Isaiah 29:19) that he begins with “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”! This word “love” means, not just felt “love”, but “love” that is shown, declared, and evidentially radiated. This loving joy is not just for great kings, but also for the day-to-day folks; for, “The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” (Isaiah 29:19). Now is a good time to take stock of how the Lord “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13); furthermore, it is our God “Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;” (II Corinthians 1:10)! So, let us not be discouraged by all the terrible things of this present life, but rejoice that the Lord is our “deliverer” and let us openly and plainly declare by words and deeds “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”!