Dependent Psalm 28:7

Introduction

With the acrostic for depending on God, PASSS, we looked at the P, Passage, with its emphasis on going to the Bible. With the A, we have the word AWARENESS. Are we AWARE that we are dependent on God? Or, do we know it, but don’t live like it? Arising from that idea is the matter of the object of our dependence. Upon whom do we depend. Yes, it’s God. It’s Christ. It’s the Holy Spirit. But do we know who God is? Are we aware of His character. Are His attributes worthy of our dependence?

In , David writes about God before expressing his dependence on Him. Let’s look at the opening of this verse where God is described. We’ll begin by putting the first part of the verse into a sentence diagram. Here are those words: The Lord is my strength and my shield.

Our Offense: God’s Strength

In basketball, as well as in military endeavors, both offense and defense are necessary. The same is true in the spiritual life of the Christian. We have spoken of the battle that we face every day. We can fight the battle on our own, or we can use the available weapons at our disposal. The primary offensive weapon is God Himself. He is our strength.

The question to be asked is this: what kind of strength? Is this spiritual strength or physical strength? The context of the psalm would indicate that David was being attached by those who were out hurt him. Physical strength is certainly in view. But along with that attack, there is a need for spiritual strength also.

Our Defense: God’s Shield

A good offense in spiritual battle is essential, but We also need a good defense, starting with God, who is described here as a shield. Of course, we know that a shield was used to protect against an attack.

Again, remembering that this psalm has a physical attack in view, physical protection was needed. But we should not rule out the need for spiritual protection as well.

Conclusion

Do you notice the first person pronoun before both words we have studied? MY. The Lord is not just a strength, not even THE strength. David says He is MY strength. The same is true of the shield. MY shield. It’s personal.

Here’s the big question: How can we make use of this great offense and great defense that is available to us? What are the weapons that God has made available to us? Let’s look at at least three of them. These three weapons are most certainly going to be used by God to give us strength in the battle.

1. The church. That includes the church as an organization, as well as the church as a fellowship of Christ-followers.

2. The Word. The Bible is not just a fact book or a doctrine book. It’s a life book. It shows us how we are to live.

How can we make use of this great offense and great defense that is available to us? What are the weapons that God has made available to us?

3. Prayer. After describing the armor of God, Paul concludes with this directive:  “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints ().

Which God-provided weapons are you regularly using in the battle for the Christian life? Which ones are you neglecting? How can you improve?