The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. . . .

— Psalm 18:2

David, who was anointed to become king of Israel, had many enemies, and he wrote the words of Psalm 18 at a time when God delivered him from those enemies, including Saul, the king he would replace (see 2 Samuel 22).

At times David was so overwhelmed by his enemies that he felt as if “the cords of death entangled” him. He felt that his end was near. In response, David called on the only one who could help. “I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.”

David displayed great courage based on his trust in God, his rock and deliverer. David had been taught and had learned from experience that the Lord was always present for him. No enemy could separate him from the care of the Lord.

When we know that we depend on God for all good things, as David did, we know that calling on God will help to bring the solutions we need. This doesn’t mean we should ignore emergency services or other kinds of help that are available when we might need them. God provides those resources in our communities for the good of everyone. But realizing that we can rely on God to help us with all our needs is a great comfort today just as it was for David. Let’s be sure to call on God whenever we need help of any kind.

O God, often we forget to look to you for help when we need it. Teach us to lean on you for protection, guidance, and all that we need, knowing you provide all good things. Amen.