Spurgeon Morning and Evening April 9 PM

Biblical Context

Psalm 18 is a powerful song of David, written in a time of deep gratitude. It’s a psalm of thanksgiving, put down when the Lord saved him from all his enemies, especially from Saul.

You see David’s personal journey laid bare in this psalm – his struggles, his cries for help, and God’s powerful hand coming to save him. It shows a king who knows his victories don’t come from his own might or smarts, but only from God.

This psalm makes it clear David wasn’t taking credit for himself. He always pointed back to the Lord. It’s a strong declaration of God’s saving power and how He deals with those He chooses.

Key Word Study

Let’s look at the word “gentleness” from Psalm 18:35. In the Hebrew, the word translated here can be `עַנְוָה` (‘anwah).

This word means “humility,” “meekness,” or “condescension.” It’s not just a soft quality, you know? It means a certain kind of strength that comes down low. When God shows `anwah`, it isn’t a sign of weakness at all. It’s His greatness choosing to make Himself small, to connect with us, to help us.

This word shows God’s willingness to step into our smallness. It’s a powerful idea because it changes how we see God’s strength. He isn’t just way up high; He comes right down to meet you.

God’s Goodness: The Foundation of Your Greatness

“Thy gentleness hath made me great.” This is a deep verse, isn’t it? The words are capable of being translated, “Thy goodness hath made me great.”

David didn’t give credit for his greatness to his own strength or cleverness. No, he gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but the goodness of God. It’s a crucial point for us: where do you think your good things come from? It’s always from Him.

Providence: Goodness in Action

“Thy providence,” is another reading of that verse. And what is providence? It’s nothing more than goodness in action. Think of it like this: goodness is the bud of which providence is the flower, or goodness is the seed of which providence is the harvest. It’s God’s active care, His daily working in your life, doing good things. You can see it everywhere if you look.

God’s Help: Your Firm Ally

Some people translate it, “Thy help,” which is just another word for providence. Providence is the firm ally of the saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. You’re not alone in whatever God has called you to do. He’s right there, helping you.

The Power of God’s Humility and Condescension

Or again, “Thy humility hath made me great.” “Thy condescension” may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensive reading, combining the ideas mentioned, including that of humility.

Think about this: It is God’s making Himself little which is the cause of our being made great. We are so little, aren’t we? That if God should manifest His greatness without condescension, we should be trampled under His feet. We wouldn’t stand a chance.

But God, who must stoop to view the skies, and bow to see what angels do, turns His eye yet lower, and looks to the lowly and contrite, and makes them great. What an amazing thought!

Discipline and His Word: Paths to Growth

There are yet other readings, as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, “Thy discipline”—Thy fatherly correction—“hath made me great;” while the Chaldee paraphrase reads, “Thy word hath increased me.”

Still the idea is the same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescending goodness of his Father in heaven. It doesn’t come from you; it comes from Him.

Echoing David’s Heart: Your Evening Reflection

May this sentiment be echoed in our hearts this evening while we cast our crowns at Jesus’ feet, and cry, “Thy gentleness hath made me great.”

How marvelous has been our experience of God’s gentleness? How gentle have been His corrections? He doesn’t crush you. How gentle His forbearance? He puts up with so much from you. How gentle His teachings? He leads you with care. How gentle His drawings? He pulls you close without forcing.

Meditate upon this theme, O believer. Let gratitude be awakened. Really feel thankful. Let humility be deepened. Remember who you are and who He is. Let love be quickened ere thou fallest asleep to-night. Let your love for Him grow right now.