Credit Where Credit Is Due
READ: Psalm 18:25-45
It’s nice to be on the receiving end of good things, isn’t it? Who doesn’t like a hug? Or a gift? Or a compliment? Or a prize? Or the credit for a job well done?
David speaks extensively in these verses about his victory over his enemies. He speaks of his courage against a troop, his ability to scale a wall, his strength, his speed, his battle skills, his complete destruction of his enemies. But look carefully at the pronouns in this Psalm; yes, the pronouns. “You” and “yours” or the name of the LORD Himself is mentioned more than 25 times. Compare that to the number of times the pronoun “I” is used: only eight.
David could have arrogantly taken the credit and the glory for the victories he had over his enemies. But he recognized where the credit was due. God gave David all the things he proclaims in this section of Psalm 18. David’s courage only came with the LORD’s help. David’s ability to scale a wall was only by the will of God. God gave him his strength, trained and armed him for battle, shielded him from harm, sustained him, caused the enemy to flee, delivered David, and exalted him amongst the nation. Without God, David would have nothing to boast about, for he would have been nothing. But with God, well, just read again of all the blessings again!
By God’s grace we are enabled to accomplish great things and we receive many blessings. But we dare not forget from where that all comes from. Jesus reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Praise be to God that he called us to faith in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay in the Word, and thank God for all he has done and continues to do for you, his dear child!
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How has God blessed you today? How has he delivered you? How can you share these blessings with others?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Thank God for all the amazing ways he sustains you every day, and also for saving you from your sins. Praise him as often and as loudly as you can!