MY DELIVERER, MY GOD

This is the song of king David’s triumph after his final deliverance from his inveterate and murderous enemy king Saul.

First of all he gives a ninefold description of all that God has become to him through his chequered career. When hunted by Saul in the wilderness of Judaea, he needed a fortress, a rock in or behind which he could hide, or a high tower, and in this God had become his unfailing resource. What has God become to us? Is He our strong habitation whereunto we continually resort?, Psa. 71. 3.

Note the fivefold repetition of the title “my God”, vv. 2, 6, 21, 28, 29. David had had personal dealings with God; ultimately everyone will have to do with God personally. “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God”, Rom. 14. 12. Evidently early in life David had confessed the sins of his youth, and had found the blessedness of the man “whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered”, Psa. 32. 1. To speak of the Almighty as “my God” is to imply that He is the highest Object of my trust, my obedience, my devotion and my adoration. Is He really so?

On the morning of our Lord’s resurrection, Mary exclaimed, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him”, John 20. 13. She thought of Him as her own, almost as if there were no other to claim Him. A week later, Thomas confessed Him as “My Lord and my God”, v. 28.

Doubtless God became dear to David through answered prayers when alone with his sheep. But when repeatedly saved from Saul’s javelin and later from Saul’s armies, with what heartfelt gratitude and affection he exclaims, “my God”!

Hudson Pope’s hymn, “What is He to you?”, ends with the verse:

“Everything to me! Everything to me! Prince and Saviour all along, Light so clear, and Friend so strong, Shield, and Food, and Joyful Song, Everything to me!”

“The excellency of the knowledge of … my Lord”, Phil. 3. 8.