God’s Perfect Ways (Psalm 18:30-50)

³⁰This God—His way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; He is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him. ³¹ For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? —³² the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. ³³ He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. ³⁴ He trains my hands for war,so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. ³⁵ You have given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand supported me, and Your gentleness made me great. ³⁶ You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip. ³⁷ I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed. ³⁸ I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet. ³⁹ For You equipped me with strength for the battle; You made those who rise against me sink under me. ⁴⁰ You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed. ⁴¹ They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the Lord, but He did not answer them. ⁴² I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.

⁴³ You delivered me from strife with the people; You made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. ⁴⁴ As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me. ⁴⁵ Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses.⁴⁶ The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation—⁴⁷ the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, ⁴⁸ who rescued me from my enemies; yes, You exalted me above those who rose against me; You delivered me from the man of violence.⁴⁹ For this I will praise You, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to Your name. ⁵⁰ Great salvation He brings to His king, and shows steadfast love to His anointed, to David and his offspring forever.