Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2448 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.
In today’s Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 18, a powerful psalm of David that reflects his gratitude to God for deliverance and victory over his enemies. In the previous episodes, we’ve seen how David praised God for His strength, faithfulness, and protection. We’ve reflected on how God’s way is perfect, how He arms us with strength, and how He makes our paths secure.
Now, as we dive into Psalm 18:37-45 from the New Living Translation, we’ll witness David’s description of his triumph over his enemies, a victory that he attributes entirely to God’s enabling power. These verses depict the battle’s intensity, the victory’s totality, and David’s humility in recognizing God’s role in his success.
So, let’s set out on today’s trek together, delving into the depths of Psalm 18:37-45.
Psalm 18:37-45 (NLT):
37 I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. 38 I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet. 39 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. 40 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. 41 They called for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the Lord, but he refused to answer. 42 I ground them as fine as dust in the wind. I swept them into the gutter like dirt. 43 You gave me victory over my accusers. You appointed me ruler over nations; people I don’t even know now serve me. 44 As soon as they hear of me, they submit; foreign nations cringe before me. 45 They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds.
The Pursuit and Conquest:
We begin with verses 37 and 38: “I chased my enemies and caught them; I did not stop until they were conquered. I struck them down so they could not get up; they fell beneath my feet.”
Here, David vividly describes his relentless pursuit of his enemies. His words paint a picture of determination and total victory. David did not merely defend himself or avoid confrontation; he actively pursued his enemies until they were completely subdued. This pursuit symbolizes the spiritual battles we face in our lives. When we confront sin, fear, or any obstacle that stands in our way, we must do so with the same tenacity, not stopping until we have overcome it by God’s power.
David’s description of striking down his enemies so they could not get up and falling beneath his feet illustrates the totality of his victory. This wasn’t a partial or temporary win; it was a decisive and final conquest. In our spiritual walk, this reminds us that God calls us to be more than conquerors. We are not meant to live in a state of ongoing defeat or partial victories. Through Christ, we can achieve complete victory over the challenges we face.
God as the Source of Strength:
Verse 39 is a crucial turning point
