Young David from the Old Testament had promise and blessing from God in a remarkable manner. Anointed by the notable prophet Samuel, with a destiny to be King with far reaching influence, a privileged path lay before him.

Yet like many pilgrims over the years the promises did not come to fruition without significant and even deadly challenge. For David it was in the form of the intensely jealous and insecure King Saul, who became obsessed with destroying David. Removing this threat to his dynasty.

This young man, singer and musician, like many creative people expressed his experiences through his art.

Here in Psalm 18 a song about his latest brush with the troops of King Saul emerges. Overwhelming numbers of Saul's troops come near on a 'search and destroy' mission with deadly intent. Yet somehow David escapes again.

He sings of being protected by the Lord, like standing on a rock above and safe from the attack.

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

David's song has become the theme and experience for countless followers of Jesus Christ since as we encounter the varied threats and challenges on our paths. The Lord is my Rock.

For myself, facing the strong tides and currents that have threatened to sweep me away, this truth has worked out with the following practice.

I am so grateful for the practical instruction on how to walk with the Lord that I received in my teens through the influence of the Navigators. This is one of the principles I learnt:

In whatever circumstance I have found myself the maintenance of an early morning appointment with the Lord in His Word has been like a rock of stability. Time and again I have come from that place with a quiet peace of heart and clarity of mind that replaced the turmoil and fear that had gripped me.

As David sang in another place, "He gives me strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights". 2 Samuel 22

THE LORD IS OUR ROCK!!