A devotional by Kervin Raugust
Feeling Hunted … Psalm 18
It was a good day when David was anointed to be the second King of Israel but it was not long before bad days of adversity followed. Saul’s early failure as King quickly became jealousy after David killed Goliath in hand to hand combat. David soon became a hunted man. For at least 15 years King Saul sought to kill his loyal servant and much celebrated warrior.
Life for David was not easy as he endured and dodged King Saul’s attacks. These were terrible times causing David to declare, “the cords of death entangled me and coiled around me”(18:4). For 15 years he was confronted by the very real possibility of death. Then the day came when David heard King Saul was killed in battle. The hunt was over! Psalm 18 is introduced with these words, “David sang the words of this song to the Lord when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies AND the hand of King Saul.” The song is a testimony to the presence of God in the midst of the relentless hunt. David came to learn that being hunted has forging power!
A blacksmith understands the effect of fire on iron. The forging process through applied heat causes the molecules in iron to realign, making the iron stronger; and making the iron malleable so it can be reshaped. Being hunted is like that, it has forging power to make us stronger and to reshape us. But being hunted requires something of us.
Being hunted requires warrior hearted men and women to …
- Know the identity of God is – a person of refuge (18:1-2,16-19,30).
- Call, even cry out to God in prayer (18:3-6).
- See His might and power in creation (18:7-15).
- Remember God reaches down to those in whom He delights (18:16-23).
- Receive His reward (18:24-29).
- Do not forget God arms with strength and trains for battle (18:30-42).
- Remember they are anointed to rule and reign (18:43-45).
- Offer much and continual praise to Him (18:46-50).
Warrior Assignment…
Being hunted has forging power! How is God using your circumstances to strength and reshape you? Find another warrior hearted person to talk about your answer. Be sure to ask him/her about their forging experiences.
Warrior Prayer…
“I love you Lord, You are my strength. Help me to remember You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer in whom I take refuge in the midst of forging encounters. I know the hunter is out to deceive, discourage and destroy me. But because I keep my eye on the Lord, with You at my right hand I will not be shaken. So, shall it be! Amen.”
