David did not trust in his own strength despite being a great leader of renowned warriors.

Do you know about David’s Mighty Men? There were 30 and there were 3.

1 Chronicles 11:10-47
2 Samuel 23:8-39

The Bible calls them “the 3” and “the 30” although there are 37 men listed and even more in the Chronicles. But whatever the meaning of the title, these were David’s special forces. They were with him when he ran from Saul, when he fought in battles, and as king over Israel.

The Old Testament has stories of what these men would do for David at the risk of their own lives. They loved him. They protected him. They fought beside him. They believed in him.

And yet, in studying the psalms, I came to realize that David knew his own strength was not enough. The strength of his mighty men was not enough. What David needed always was the strength and provision of the Lord. He could not make it through the day without the Lord.

But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 3:3-5

Not Adino the Etzni who killed 800 men in one battle! Not Eleazar the Ahohite who fought alone against the Philistines until his hand froze to his sword!

The Lord was David’s shield and strength.

Does that mean that David never protected himself? Or made sure there were protections around those he loved? Nope. He had the best of the best around him. Obviously.

But David knew that without God, he was nothing.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
Psalm 16:1

Psalm 18 is a beautiful description of David’s faith in the Lord.

I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:1-2

Psalm 18 was possibly written between Saul’s death and David’s coronation as king over Israel. But there is no doubt, that David sings of God’s faithfulness. That God saw him through his exile, his running in fear, the many years of struggling to survive. God saw him through to the other side.

Was it by his own strength? No, although God used David’s strength, endurance, and leadership skills.

Was it because of his “3” and “30” fighting men, his special forces? No, but they were a gift from God and used by God to bring David through.

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
Psalm 18:16-17

So, my friends, know that you do not need to be strong enough. You do not need to have it all figured out. You do not need to fear.

Because God has got you covered.

You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
Psalm 18:28

Heidi xoxo