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Psalm 18

Jul 20, 2025    Pastor Rev. Craig T. Smith

1. Further Devotional Thoughts


Psalm 18:1–3 is a sacred echo of a heart that has been through fire and flood but finds itself praising God not only for deliverance, but for deeper revelation. David’s words flow from a soul that has seen God not just as a distant deity, but as a fortress, a shield, a rock, and a Savior.


Devotional Theme:

Deliverance doesn’t just bring relief—it brings revelation. Hardship often shows us who God really is. And when we emerge from trials, our greatest testimony isn’t, “I made it,” but “He carried me.”

David knew this. He looked back and saw God not just rescuing him, but reshaping him. His declaration, “I will love You, O LORD, my strength,” reveals more than a theological statement—it’s a love song, born out of scars.


Are you in a season of waiting, struggling, or wrestling? Then you are in the very place where God can become your Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer—not just in theory, but in real experience. Let suffering drive you to worship, not bitterness. Let your cries lead to your song.


2. Discussion Questions

For Adults or Small Groups:

Why do you think David used so many metaphors to describe God in verse 2?

Can you recall a time when God became a “fortress” or “rock” for you during a hard season?

What does it mean to love God not just for His deliverance, but for who He is?

How does David’s trust in Psalm 18:3 challenge the way we respond to trials?

How does the image of Jesus as our “Horn of Salvation” deepen your appreciation for the gospel?

For Families:

What do you do when you're scared or in trouble?

How can we remember to run to God when things get hard?

Can you describe God using your own metaphors like David did?


3. Daily Devotions for Adults (Mon–Sat)

Monday: “My Strength”

Psalm 18:1

Reflect on how God has strengthened you in the past. Where have you seen His power sustain you?


Tuesday: “My Fortress”

Psalm 18:2a

What does it mean for God to be a safe place? Where do you run when life gets overwhelming?


Wednesday: “My Deliverer”

Psalm 18:2b

Name a time God delivered you. How can remembering that strengthen your faith today?


Thursday: “The Horn of My Salvation”

Luke 1:68–69

Jesus is the true horn of salvation. How has Jesus’ salvation impacted your life? Where do you still need His rescue?


Friday: “I Called and He Answered”

Psalm 18:3

What does your prayer life reveal about your trust in God? What praise do you owe Him?


Saturday: “Saved Singing”

2 Samuel 22:1-4

David sang this same song again later in life. What songs of praise have grown in meaning for you over time?


4. Daily Devotions for Children (Mon–Sat) with Activities

Theme: “God Is My Safe Place”

Monday: God Is My Rock

Psalm 18:2a

Talk About It: What does a rock do? Why do we need something strong to stand on?

Activity: Collect rocks outside and write one word about God on each with markers (e.g., Strong, Safe, Love).


Tuesday: God Is My Fortress

Psalm 18:2a

Talk About It: What’s the safest place you can imagine?

Activity: Build a fortress out of blocks or cushions and call it “God’s Place of Protection.”


Wednesday: God Saves Me

Psalm 18:2b

Talk About It: What does it mean to be rescued?

Activity: Act out a rescue mission where God helps someone in trouble.


Thursday: Jesus Is My Horn of Salvation

Luke 1:68–69

Talk About It: What does it mean that Jesus saves us?

Activity: Make a horn out of paper and write “Jesus Saves” on it. Blow it to “announce salvation!”


Friday: I Can Call on God

Psalm 18:3

Talk About It: Who do you call when you're scared?

Activity: Use a toy phone or pretend call to pray to God for help and say “Thank You.”


Saturday: Singing Praise

2 Samuel 22:1-4

Talk About It: What’s your favorite song about God?

Activity: Write your own “Thank You” song or draw a picture about God helping you.


5. Daily Devotions for Youth (Mon–Sat)

Theme: “Faith That Fights and Sings”


Monday: Choose to Love God

Psalm 18:1

Reflect: David said “I will love You.” Do you say that to God? When’s the last time you told God you love Him?


Tuesday: When God Is All You Have

Psalm 18:2

Journal Prompt: What’s a hard time when you had to depend on God as your “fortress”? Write it down.


Wednesday: The Horn of Salvation = Jesus

Luke 1:68–69

Think: Why is Jesus called the “horn of salvation”? What does that tell you about His strength and victory?


Thursday: Calling Out to God in Crisis

Psalm 18:3

Challenge: Write a prayer where you cry out to God for something real you’re going through.


Friday: Sing It Out

Psalm 18:3b

Reflect: What songs remind you of God's faithfulness? Listen to one worship song and reflect on it.


Saturday: From Crisis to Confidence

2 Samuel 22:1-4

Look Back: Read David’s second version of the song. How did his view of God grow stronger with time?