Sure-Footed

         "You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip."
                                                              Psalm 18:36




Faith can falter in the event of a major crisis and when the trials that abound seem relentless. At times, it can feel as if the world around us is closing in like a never-ending vise grip. This tight squeeze can continue its pursuit until it feels like your lungs are compressed and even the breath we take seems inadequate. Ironically, while human nature may tend to pull back from God, it is only faith and trust that will lead us to victory.

In this world, it is highly probable that at some point we will experience an earth-shattering, heart-breaking, soul-testing life event. These are the moments that we wonder if we can survive such our circumstances? And, if we do, we wonder if life can ever be the same?

These are the emotions that David felt when he penned the eighteenth Psalm. Thankfully, he is recalling how he felt right after God had given him victory over all that had risen up against him. He remembered God's divine protection as He hid David in the rocky cliffs when he fled from Saul and then from his very own son, Absalom.

There had to have been moments when David felt unsteady or unsure. Maybe there were even moments when he thought his foot was slipping. Yet, because of the tender intimacy he shared with his Heavenly Father, he tethered himself to the Rock, which became the sure foundation for his soul.

David learned that the Rock must be greater than the trial he was facing. Even when his life was in grave danger, he was confident when he cried out to God. He knew that divine intervention would sufficiently protect him and deliver him from all that would seek to destroy his life. He was compelled by the Word of God, not by his circumstances.

God taught David how to be sure-footed. According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of sure-footed is "unlikely to stumble, slip, or fall; confident and competent". Throughout the course of David's life, he would learn that even in the darkest of times that he could be confident that "he would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psalm 27:13).

God's purposes prevailed. It was God's plan to train David's hands for war because he had been created to be a warrior.  Progressively, David would fully realize the impact this would have upon his life.

Throughout this Psalm, David identified seven military metaphors to paint a picture of God's love. He referred to God as his Rock (foundation of stability and protection), his fortress (high place of refuge and defense when under attack), his deliverer (Savior in the day of evil), his Rock (different word that means strong defense), his shield (deflects the enemies arrows and swords), the horn of his salvation (power in battle), and his stronghold (God's care for his servant).

All of David's life had been preparing him to be a valiant warrior. Even as a young boy, he fought off predators of his sheep and learned how to be vigilant both day and night. God developed wisdom and patience in him, as well as teaching him where to focus his efforts and prayers. David would later utilize every one of these skills when he became king of Israel. He was uniquely qualified for the job because he had been uniquely trained.

Ultimately, God brought David out of his tight squeeze and into a spacious place. He rewarded him because he refrained from evil, kept God's laws, and allowed God to fully shape his character. David was faithful and humble which enabled God to exalt him.

Rejoicing inevitably ensues when God rescues and rewards us. God subdues our enemies and saves us from all that would seek to ensnare us. Additionally, He causes us to succeed.

But, with God, there is even so much more than that! Psalm 18 tells us that God: renewed David, energized him, encouraged him, empowered him, equipped him, and enabled him. He also completely restored him and all aspects of his life.

Even while David waited for God to move on his behalf, God kept the light inside of David burning bright and caused his life to flourish. He gave him divine strength and strategies day by day. God sustained him, even during his most difficult moments.

Step by step, God was his light and his salvation. He was his sustainer and his hope. He was his very present help in times of danger. He led and guided him through treacherous times and He never left him or turned His back on him.

Consequently, David did not slip or fall backwards even though his circumstances may have enticed him to do so. Instead, he continued to march forward to the destiny that God had for him, despite any obstacles or distractions. As David continued to rely on his Heavenly Father, God made David's foot sure on the path to victory.


       "He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights."
                                                         Psalm 18:33