The Great Avenger
March 23, 2022·Carmen Quevedo
Psalm 18
One of the things I love about the Word of God is how, in its constancy, each time I open God’s Word, there is something right there in black and white, ready to speak directly to me in my current situation, in a way I can understand and apply it to my life.
Sometimes, I’ll open my Bible, begin reading, and feel the warmth of the Father’s love come over me like He’s wrapping me in a blanket of His comfort. It’s that sweet and gentle reminder that we aren’t alone.
Other days, like today, as I opened my Bible to Psalm 18, I found His Word speaking to me like a beautiful pop-up book, depicting an epic battle, like an Avenger movie. Check it out.
“I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)
Now, I’ve read those first three verses many times. Songs have been written out of those verses. But today, as I read those words, that was just the opening to the epic battle yet to unfold in the psalmist’s portrayal of how the Lord is my strength.
…when death surrounds us, floods cause us to fear, sorrow overwhelms us, we cry out to our God and He hears our cry.
…when the earth shakes and fires devour, He comes and meets us where we are.
…no matter how dark or ominous the storm of our lives, His weapons scatter our foes, and He delivers us from our enemies. Why? Because He delights in us!
The Scripture goes on to tell us how God partners with us, equips us for the battle, brings light to our dark days, strengthens us, makes our footing sure, and causes our enemies to be subdued under us. Can you see it?
We win the epic battles of our lives, because He hears our cries and He is with us in the battle, providing everything we have need of.
Verse 46 says, “The Lord Lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God who Avenges me.” Don’t you love that? God is my Great Avenger! He fights the battles, and He wins. And we’re in the middle of that picture.
So today, whether your story has you sitting by still waters while the Lord is restoring your soul, or you find yourself fighting a fiery battle, know the Lord Lives! And God is YOUR Great Avenger.
Pastor Carmen Quevedo
