August 12, 2025 • 12 mins
Title: Secure in the Storm: God Our Unshakable Rock (Psalm 18)
Short Description
Psalm 18 is David’s testimony of God’s faithful rescue in times of fear, injustice, and spiritual attack. In this episode, we explore how God hears our cries, moves powerfully to save, and trains us for greater faithfulness—reminding us that the Rock of our salvation is unshakable even when life feels unstable.
Episode Highlights
- David’s seasons of danger, betrayal, and near-death experiences lead to a song of praise
- God responds to the cries of His people with mighty, personal deliverance
- The same power that rescued Israel works in the believer’s life today
- God honors integrity and shapes His people through hardship
- David’s personal praise points forward to Christ’s ultimate victory
- Our Rock is not just a place of protection, but a Person—Jesus Himself
Resources and Next Steps
Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
Download devotionals, attend live meetups, and access biblical life training to grow emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
ABOUT JAMES and LESSONS FOR LIFE
Are you seeking hope, wisdom, and practical solutions to life’s challenges? Dr. James Long, Jr., pastor, counselor, and professor with over 30 years of experience, helps people discover God’s solutions to emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges. Each episode of Lessons for Life points you to the peace and freedom found in Jesus Christ.
Resources and Next Steps
- Join the free Navigator Level of the Lessons for Life Community: https://jameslongjr.org/community
- Explore full membership and coaching options: https://jameslongjr.org/signupnow
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, it's James Long.
Do me a favor, grab your Bibleand a journal and turn with me
to Psalm 18.
We're going to be looking atPsalm 18 today.
Psalm 18 offers a sweepingtestimony of God's faithfulness
to those who call on Him intimes of fear, injustice and
spiritual attack.
In this deeply personal andpowerfully poetic psalm, david
(00:23):
recounts his desperate cries forhelp and God's supernatural
deliverance, showing us how tocling to the rock of our
salvation when life feelsunstable.
Well, the first section we'lllook at today is when you feel
surrounded and struggling tostand.
There are moments in life whenyou feel hemmed in by fear,
(00:44):
failure or a rising tide ofconflict, when the cords of
death seem to be wrapped tightlyaround us.
It says that in verse 4 of thispsalm, psalm 18, verse 4.
And when we're overwhelmed bysorrow, stress or shame, and
whether it's the voice ofcondemnation from within us or
opposition from others, theexperience is often the same
(01:06):
entanglement, helplessness and alonging for rescue.
David knew these seasons alltoo well.
As a warrior, fugitive and king, he walked through the years of
danger, betrayal, spiritualbattles and near-death escapes.
Psalm 18 is his triumphantreflection after many such
deliverances.
But more than a song ofgratitude.
(01:26):
It's a theological testimony, adeclaration that God is not
only a deliverer in crisis, buta covenant-keeping Savior who
trains us, strengthens us andsecures our steps, even in
prolonged seasons of struggle.
David opens with unfilteredaffection.
He says in verse 1, I love you,o Lord, my strength.
(01:46):
This is not the language ofdetached doctrine.
It is a speech of someone whohas been rescued again and again
by a faithful God.
In the following verses, davidpiles up the metaphors my rock,
my fortress, my deliverer, myshield, my stronghold, in verses
2 and 3.
Now, each word is drawn fromhis lived experience.
(02:08):
Whether hiding in caves fromSaul or charging into battle,
david learned to lean on God,not as an abstract truth but as
a personal refuge.
If you're weary today,physically, emotionally or
spiritually, psalm 18 meets youwith this declaration the Lord
hears your cry, he is mighty tosave, he is near you in your
(02:32):
distress and he is stronger thanwhatever you are facing the God
who moves heaven and earth tosave.
Now, one of the most powerfulsections of Psalm 18 describes
the Lord's response to David'scry for help.
He says this in verses sixthrough nine in my distress, I
called upon the Lord.
Then it goes.
He heard my voice and the earthreeled and rocked.
(02:55):
He bowed the heavens and camedown.
Verses six through nine Davidpoetically recounts a cosmic
rescue using language of storms,earthquakes, thunders and fire.
And this is not hyperbole, it'stheological poetry revealing how
deeply God identifies with theafflictions of his people.
(03:15):
David is not saying that Godliterally tore open the skies
each time he prayed, but he isreminding us that God's power
and presence are never far whenthe cries of the righteous are
heard by him.
The imagery mirrors the scenein the Exodus and at Mount Sinai
, showing us that that same Godwho delivered Israel with signs
and wonders is the God whoenters into our personal battles
(03:38):
as well.
Now, I don't know if you'veever felt like prayer is bounced
off the ceiling.
Well, psalm 18 assures youotherwise.
God is not indifferent to yoursufferings.
He doesn't require perfectprayers, he only requires honest
ones.
He doesn't stand aloof, hecomes close.
The thunder, the smoke, thestorms are reminders that your
(03:58):
distress does not go unnoticed.
Your cries travel into the earsof the Almighty.
Verse 6, and he responds, notwith apathy but with action.
When anxiety overwhelms,injustice prevails or temptation
presses in, the psalm calls youto remember who fights for you.
The battle belongs to the Lordand he does not lose.
(04:20):
God rescues, refines andrewards the faithful.
God rescues, refines andrewards the faithful.
Psalm 18 not only celebratesdeliverance, but it also
explores its purpose.
David pivots to a surprisingtheological reflection.
The Lord dealt with meaccording to my righteousness
verse 20.
To our ears that may sound likeit's self-righteous boasting,
(04:42):
especially in light of David'smoral failures.
But this is not a claim tosinless perfection.
It's a statement of covenantalfaithfulness.
David is testifying that in themoment of danger and decision
he clung to God's command anddid not turn aside to idols or
to ways of the wicked verses 21to 23.
And God in turn showed himselffaithful to the faithful verse
(05:05):
25, blameless to the blamelessand merciful to the humble
verses 26 and 27.
There is a deep pastoral wisdomhere.
God honors integrity.
He rewards those who walk infaith, even when the path is
painful or unclear.
If you're in a season ofwaiting or wandering, I want you
to know this.
(05:25):
Take heart.
Obedience is not wasted, thoughthe proud may seem to prosper
at times.
God saves the humble verse 27.
He lights our darkness verse 28.
He strengthens our hands verse34.
And he makes our way blamelessverse 32.
34, and he makes our wayblameless verse 32.
The same grace that rescued usalso reshapes us, and so that we
(05:47):
are not only delivered from ourenemies but we're trained for
greater faithfulness.
A praise that declares thefaithfulness of God to the
nations.
Now the final portion of Psalm18 swells with joyous
proclamation.
David, now secure in hisvictories, lifts up his voice in
worship.
Watch what it says in verse 46.
The Lord lives, and blessed bethe rock and exalted be the God
(06:10):
of my salvation.
But this is not private praise,it's public testimony.
Watch what it says in verse 49.
I will praise you among thenations.
Here David not only recountedpast victories, but he pointed
towards a greater king to comeNow.
The Apostle Paul quotes thisverse in Romans 15, verse 9, to
show that Christ is thefulfillment of this royal
(06:32):
thanksgiving.
Jesus, the son of David, is thegreater anointed, one who
rescued from death and nowreigns over the nations.
In him, the covenantfaithfulness of God finds his
ultimate expression, and in himyou too can find unshakable hope
.
God's loyalty to David is notbased on merit.
It is rooted in God's covenantfaithfulness, and the same is
(06:55):
true for you.
Your rock is not only a placeof protection.
It's a person and his name isJesus.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltakeaways here.
Number one we see God'ssovereignty.
The Lord rules over nations andnature and enemies intervening
supernaturally on behalf of hispeople verses 7 through 15.
(07:17):
Second, we see covenantfaithfulness.
God honors those who walk inrighteousness and humility, not
because of perfection, butbecause of the faithful
dependence upon him verses 20through 27.
Third, we see spiritual warfare.
The believer's enemies may bephysical or spiritual, but God
equips his people with strength,endurance and victory verses 32
(07:41):
through 36.
Fourth, we see the verses 32through 36.
Fourth, we see the messianicfulfillment.
As we've already said, david'spersonal praise becomes
prophetic as it foreshadowsChrist's victory over sin, satan
and death for all of those whowould trust in him Romans 15,
verse 9.
And then, fifth and finally, wesee sanctification.
(08:01):
God's rescue includestransformation.
He not only saves, but hestrengthens us for the journey
ahead.
We see that in Psalm, chapter18, verses 30 through 36.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and make it practical,
practical theology when you feelpowerless or pursued.
Psalm 18 is a gift to anyone whohas felt cornered by
(08:22):
circumstances or crushed byinternal battles.
It speaks to the traumasurvivor, the anxious heart, the
weary soul and the overburdenedleader.
If you're facing an enemy,within or without, this psalm
offers more than justinspiration.
It offers identity and security.
You are not alone.
God sees, god hears and he isnot passive in your pain.
(08:44):
When you feel like you'resinking, remember the rock is
beneath you.
When enemies advance, god isyour fortress.
And when you feel too weak tofight, he trains your hands for
battle.
And when your heart isoverwhelmed, he brings you out
into spacious places Verse 19,.
He rescues because he delightsin you Now, in counseling and
(09:06):
discipleship or spiritualdirection.
Psalm 18 invites people toreframe their story in light of
God's steadfast love.
It invites us to move fromvictimhood to victory, not by
our strength, but by the mercyand might of our Redeemer.
Now let's reflect and respond.
Number one when you feltoverwhelmed like David,
(09:29):
entangled by fear, grief orstress, how did you cry out to
God?
Number two what images in Psalm18, maybe like the rock or
fortress or shield resonatedmost deeply with your current
needs?
Number three in what areas ofyour life are you waiting for
deliverance or vindication?
How does this Psalm reframeyour perspective?
(09:51):
Number four are there placeswhere God has answered your
prayers in the past that youhave not yet praised Him for.
5.
How is God training your handsand strengthening your heart for
spiritual battles today?
6.
In what ways can you make yourpraise public, as David did
(10:15):
among the nations, your praisepublic, as David did among the
nations?
And number seven what would itlook like to rest in the rock
this week instead of striving inyour own strength?
Well, let us pray Well.
Father, I thank you for yourkind grace and your mercy.
I thank you for yoursovereignty over all things,
whether it's nature or nationsor enemies.
(10:37):
Thank you for your covenantfaithfulness to us.
Thank you that we can walk inrighteousness and humility, not
because of our perfection, butbecause your faithfulness and
your son's grace and wonder.
Thank you that you help us inthe midst of spiritual warfare,
that the enemies may be strongbut that you equip us with
strength, endurance and victory.
(10:57):
And thank you, ultimately, foryour son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
that this psalm powerfullyforeshadows his work, Jesus's
work over sin, satan and death.
And thank you that you'relooking to transform us from the
inside out.
We praise you and thank you forall that you do.
In Jesus name, we pray Amen.
Are you facing exhaustion,spiritual attack or fears?
(11:20):
If you are, read this psalm,meditate on this psalm.
Do me a favor as well Considerjoining our free navigator level
of Lessons for Life communityat jameslongjrorg slash
community for devotionals,meetups and training that will
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
(11:42):
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remind yourself of this you arenot abandoned.
The rock of your salvation isyour strength and your song.
Well, until next time, beblessed, take care.
Hey everyone, it's James Long.
Do me a favor, grab your Bibleand a journal and turn with me
to Psalm 18.
We're going to be looking atPsalm 18 today.
Psalm 18 offers a sweepingtestimony of God's faithfulness
to those who call on Him intimes of fear, injustice and
spiritual attack.
In this deeply personal andpowerfully poetic psalm, david
(00:23):
recounts his desperate cries forhelp and God's supernatural
deliverance, showing us how tocling to the rock of our
salvation when life feelsunstable.
Well, the first section we'lllook at today is when you feel
surrounded and struggling tostand.
There are moments in life whenyou feel hemmed in by fear,
(00:44):
failure or a rising tide ofconflict, when the cords of
death seem to be wrapped tightlyaround us.
It says that in verse 4 of thispsalm, psalm 18, verse 4.
And when we're overwhelmed bysorrow, stress or shame, and
whether it's the voice ofcondemnation from within us or
opposition from others, theexperience is often the same
(01:06):
entanglement, helplessness and alonging for rescue.
David knew these seasons alltoo well.
As a warrior, fugitive and king, he walked through the years of
danger, betrayal, spiritualbattles and near-death escapes.
Psalm 18 is his triumphantreflection after many such
deliverances.
But more than a song ofgratitude.
(01:26):
It's a theological testimony, adeclaration that God is not
only a deliverer in crisis, buta covenant-keeping Savior who
trains us, strengthens us andsecures our steps, even in
prolonged seasons of struggle.
David opens with unfilteredaffection.
He says in verse 1, I love you,o Lord, my strength.
(01:46):
This is not the language ofdetached doctrine.
It is a speech of someone whohas been rescued again and again
by a faithful God.
In the following verses, davidpiles up the metaphors my rock,
my fortress, my deliverer, myshield, my stronghold, in verses
2 and 3.
Now, each word is drawn fromhis lived experience.
(02:08):
Whether hiding in caves fromSaul or charging into battle,
david learned to lean on God,not as an abstract truth but as
a personal refuge.
If you're weary today,physically, emotionally or
spiritually, psalm 18 meets youwith this declaration the Lord
hears your cry, he is mighty tosave, he is near you in your
(02:32):
distress and he is stronger thanwhatever you are facing the God
who moves heaven and earth tosave.
Now, one of the most powerfulsections of Psalm 18 describes
the Lord's response to David'scry for help.
He says this in verses sixthrough nine in my distress, I
called upon the Lord.
Then it goes.
He heard my voice and the earthreeled and rocked.
(02:55):
He bowed the heavens and camedown.
Verses six through nine Davidpoetically recounts a cosmic
rescue using language of storms,earthquakes, thunders and fire.
And this is not hyperbole, it'stheological poetry revealing how
deeply God identifies with theafflictions of his people.
(03:15):
David is not saying that Godliterally tore open the skies
each time he prayed, but he isreminding us that God's power
and presence are never far whenthe cries of the righteous are
heard by him.
The imagery mirrors the scenein the Exodus and at Mount Sinai
, showing us that that same Godwho delivered Israel with signs
and wonders is the God whoenters into our personal battles
(03:38):
as well.
Now, I don't know if you'veever felt like prayer is bounced
off the ceiling.
Well, psalm 18 assures youotherwise.
God is not indifferent to yoursufferings.
He doesn't require perfectprayers, he only requires honest
ones.
He doesn't stand aloof, hecomes close.
The thunder, the smoke, thestorms are reminders that your
(03:58):
distress does not go unnoticed.
Your cries travel into the earsof the Almighty.
Verse 6, and he responds, notwith apathy but with action.
When anxiety overwhelms,injustice prevails or temptation
presses in, the psalm calls youto remember who fights for you.
The battle belongs to the Lordand he does not lose.
(04:20):
God rescues, refines andrewards the faithful.
God rescues, refines andrewards the faithful.
Psalm 18 not only celebratesdeliverance, but it also
explores its purpose.
David pivots to a surprisingtheological reflection.
The Lord dealt with meaccording to my righteousness
verse 20.
To our ears that may sound likeit's self-righteous boasting,
(04:42):
especially in light of David'smoral failures.
But this is not a claim tosinless perfection.
It's a statement of covenantalfaithfulness.
David is testifying that in themoment of danger and decision
he clung to God's command anddid not turn aside to idols or
to ways of the wicked verses 21to 23.
And God in turn showed himselffaithful to the faithful verse
(05:05):
25, blameless to the blamelessand merciful to the humble
verses 26 and 27.
There is a deep pastoral wisdomhere.
God honors integrity.
He rewards those who walk infaith, even when the path is
painful or unclear.
If you're in a season ofwaiting or wandering, I want you
to know this.
(05:25):
Take heart.
Obedience is not wasted, thoughthe proud may seem to prosper
at times.
God saves the humble verse 27.
He lights our darkness verse 28.
He strengthens our hands verse34.
And he makes our way blamelessverse 32.
34, and he makes our wayblameless verse 32.
The same grace that rescued usalso reshapes us, and so that we
(05:47):
are not only delivered from ourenemies but we're trained for
greater faithfulness.
A praise that declares thefaithfulness of God to the
nations.
Now the final portion of Psalm18 swells with joyous
proclamation.
David, now secure in hisvictories, lifts up his voice in
worship.
Watch what it says in verse 46.
The Lord lives, and blessed bethe rock and exalted be the God
(06:10):
of my salvation.
But this is not private praise,it's public testimony.
Watch what it says in verse 49.
I will praise you among thenations.
Here David not only recountedpast victories, but he pointed
towards a greater king to comeNow.
The Apostle Paul quotes thisverse in Romans 15, verse 9, to
show that Christ is thefulfillment of this royal
(06:32):
thanksgiving.
Jesus, the son of David, is thegreater anointed, one who
rescued from death and nowreigns over the nations.
In him, the covenantfaithfulness of God finds his
ultimate expression, and in himyou too can find unshakable hope
.
God's loyalty to David is notbased on merit.
It is rooted in God's covenantfaithfulness, and the same is
(06:55):
true for you.
Your rock is not only a placeof protection.
It's a person and his name isJesus.
Now let's look at the doctrinaltakeaways here.
Number one we see God'ssovereignty.
The Lord rules over nations andnature and enemies intervening
supernaturally on behalf of hispeople verses 7 through 15.
(07:17):
Second, we see covenantfaithfulness.
God honors those who walk inrighteousness and humility, not
because of perfection, butbecause of the faithful
dependence upon him verses 20through 27.
Third, we see spiritual warfare.
The believer's enemies may bephysical or spiritual, but God
equips his people with strength,endurance and victory verses 32
(07:41):
through 36.
Fourth, we see the verses 32through 36.
Fourth, we see the messianicfulfillment.
As we've already said, david'spersonal praise becomes
prophetic as it foreshadowsChrist's victory over sin, satan
and death for all of those whowould trust in him Romans 15,
verse 9.
And then, fifth and finally, wesee sanctification.
(08:01):
God's rescue includestransformation.
He not only saves, but hestrengthens us for the journey
ahead.
We see that in Psalm, chapter18, verses 30 through 36.
Now let's take all of thatdoctrine and make it practical,
practical theology when you feelpowerless or pursued.
Psalm 18 is a gift to anyone whohas felt cornered by
(08:22):
circumstances or crushed byinternal battles.
It speaks to the traumasurvivor, the anxious heart, the
weary soul and the overburdenedleader.
If you're facing an enemy,within or without, this psalm
offers more than justinspiration.
It offers identity and security.
You are not alone.
God sees, god hears and he isnot passive in your pain.
(08:44):
When you feel like you'resinking, remember the rock is
beneath you.
When enemies advance, god isyour fortress.
And when you feel too weak tofight, he trains your hands for
battle.
And when your heart isoverwhelmed, he brings you out
into spacious places Verse 19,.
He rescues because he delightsin you Now, in counseling and
(09:06):
discipleship or spiritualdirection.
Psalm 18 invites people toreframe their story in light of
God's steadfast love.
It invites us to move fromvictimhood to victory, not by
our strength, but by the mercyand might of our Redeemer.
Now let's reflect and respond.
Number one when you feltoverwhelmed like David,
(09:29):
entangled by fear, grief orstress, how did you cry out to
God?
Number two what images in Psalm18, maybe like the rock or
fortress or shield resonatedmost deeply with your current
needs?
Number three in what areas ofyour life are you waiting for
deliverance or vindication?
How does this Psalm reframeyour perspective?
(09:51):
Number four are there placeswhere God has answered your
prayers in the past that youhave not yet praised Him for.
5.
How is God training your handsand strengthening your heart for
spiritual battles today?
6.
In what ways can you make yourpraise public, as David did
(10:15):
among the nations, your praisepublic, as David did among the
nations?
And number seven what would itlook like to rest in the rock
this week instead of striving inyour own strength?
Well, let us pray Well.
Father, I thank you for yourkind grace and your mercy.
I thank you for yoursovereignty over all things,
whether it's nature or nationsor enemies.
(10:37):
Thank you for your covenantfaithfulness to us.
Thank you that we can walk inrighteousness and humility, not
because of our perfection, butbecause your faithfulness and
your son's grace and wonder.
Thank you that you help us inthe midst of spiritual warfare,
that the enemies may be strongbut that you equip us with
strength, endurance and victory.
(10:57):
And thank you, ultimately, foryour son, the Lord Jesus Christ,
that this psalm powerfullyforeshadows his work, Jesus's
work over sin, satan and death.
And thank you that you'relooking to transform us from the
inside out.
We praise you and thank you forall that you do.
In Jesus name, we pray Amen.
Are you facing exhaustion,spiritual attack or fears?
(11:20):
If you are, read this psalm,meditate on this psalm.
Do me a favor as well Considerjoining our free navigator level
of Lessons for Life communityat jameslongjrorg slash
community for devotionals,meetups and training that will
help you walk by faith, orexplore one of our full
(11:42):
memberships at jameslongjrorgslash.
Sign up now for deeper coachingand content designed to help
you grow in emotional,relational and spiritual wisdom.
Remind yourself of this you arenot abandoned.
The rock of your salvation isyour strength and your song.
Well, until next time, beblessed, take care.
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