One of the joys of gathering with old friends is telling shared stories. We remind each other of the joys and struggles of years gone by. As we get older there is a tendency to spend more time reflecting on the past than planning for the future. Today’s reading is a hymn of praise that David wrote from a high point in his life: “When the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and the hand of Saul” (v. 1). For years, David had lived on the run from Saul. Even after Saul’s death, it took seven years before his reign was established. One can imagine the relief he experienced when finally at peace. In this hymn, David expressed his profound thanks to God. He declared that God was “my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” (v. 2). David painted a vivid picture of the kinds of trouble he faced: “The cords of the grave coiled around me, the snares of death confronted me” (v. 6). This terrifying image is answered by an equally vivid picture of the Lord coming to help. “He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind” (vv. 10–11). David’s experience of God’s salvation led him to praise God’s word and to recognize how unique the Lord is. “For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?” (v. 32). He recognized that there is no real hope for security or help other than the Lord. He concluded by committing to “sing the praises” of the Lord to all the nations (v. 50). >> Sometimes our troubles can seem overwhelming. Yet, David knew that his troubles were not the only reality to consider. David’s song of praise reminds us that we worship a Lord who is more than competent to meet our needs. Take refuge in Him.