What does "I will call upon the LORD" reveal about David's faith? Verse at a Glance “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3) Immediate Context • Psalm 18 is David’s song of thanksgiving after the LORD delivered him “from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul” (Psalm 18:1 superscription, cf. 2 Samuel 22). • The declaration “I will call upon the LORD” stands at the front of the psalm’s praise, revealing where David’s rescue began: with his cry to God. What the Phrase Reveals About David’s Faith • Personal Relationship – David uses the covenant name “LORD” (YHWH), showing he knows God personally, not abstractly. • Active Dependence – “I will call” is a deliberate choice; faith moves David to action rather than passivity. • Ongoing Habit – The verb tense implies a continual practice, not a one-time impulse. Calling on God is David’s lifestyle. • Confidence in God’s Character – He calls because the LORD is “worthy to be praised,” affirming God’s unchanging goodness and greatness. • Expectation of Deliverance – David links calling with salvation: “so shall I be saved.” His faith anticipates a real, historical rescue, not merely inner comfort. • Exclusive Trust – Surrounded by military strength and loyal warriors, David still anchors his hope in God alone, rejecting self-reliance. • Public Witness – By penning the psalm, David turns personal faith into corporate testimony, inviting others to trust the same faithful LORD. Supporting Scriptures that Echo David’s Confidence • “This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.” (Psalm 34:6) • “But I call to God, and the LORD saves me.” (Psalm 55:16) • “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10) • “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13, quoting Joel 2:32) Living Out This Truth Today • Cultivate the reflex of prayer—turn to God first, not last. • Let worship fuel petitions; praise reminds the heart why God can be trusted. • Expect tangible answers—God still rescues, sustains, and vindicates His people. • Share answered prayers to strengthen the faith of others, just as David did. |