Power in the psalms

“Fear” and “friendship.” Those words normally don’t go together. How can the “friendship of the Lord” be for those who “fear him”? Doesn’t fear cause us to run away? Isn’t friendship for those who hang close?

Some people like to trust the tangible—things they can see and touch, such as a strong showing of the Dow, a large and equipped military, a secure retirement, or their party running the government. Some trust in well-built, fortified chariots pulled by strong, speedy horses.

The prophet Samuel had anointed David as the new king of Israel. However, Saul, the reigning king, did not accept the coronation. He was obsessed with killing the competition. Saul and his elite soldiers chased David around the countryside. After a close call, David wrote the words in today’s passage thanking God for delivering him.