The book of Psalms is one of the richest and most emotionally honest portions of Scripture. Within its pages, we find the full range of human experience expressed before God. The Psalms are often divided into different categories: psalms of lament that express sorrow, anguish, and even depression; psalms of imprecation where the writer cries out for God’s justice against enemies; psalms of thanksgiving overflowing with gratitude; and psalms of praise that exalt the greatness and majesty of God. Among these, Psalm 118 stands out as a powerful psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance. Although it is not explicitly attributed to King David, many scholars and Jewish traditions suggest that he may have been its author. Regardless of who wrote it, what is undeniable is the deep testimony of God’s saving power found within its verses.
Psalm 118 invites the reader to reflect on the faithfulness of God in times of danger, oppression, and uncertainty. It is a psalm that looks back at moments when defeat seemed inevitable, yet God intervened in a decisive and miraculous way. This makes it especially meaningful for believers who find themselves surrounded by opposition or weighed down by fear. The psalmist does not deny the reality of hardship; instead, he magnifies the reality of God’s deliverance.
One of the most important themes in this psalm is the reminder that God is present with His people. The psalmist speaks with confidence, not because of personal strength or wisdom, but because of God’s unfailing help. In a world where human support can fail and circumstances can quickly change, Psalm 118 anchors the soul in the unchanging nature of God. He is not distant, indifferent, or passive—He is actively involved in the lives of those who trust in Him.
We must be careful not to lose our spiritual sensitivity to this truth. It is easy, especially in prolonged seasons of struggle, to forget that God is still with us. Doubt can creep in when prayers seem unanswered or when the enemy appears to be gaining ground. Yet the psalmist boldly affirms that God is powerful to save, to rescue from the hand of the enemy, and to demonstrate His glory before all. Circumstances do not define God’s power; His character does.
The psalmist’s words are not abstract theology; they are born out of lived experience. He had felt the pressure of enemies closing in, the weight of danger pressing against him, and the very real possibility of falling. Yet instead of surrendering to fear, he lifts his voice in gratitude. This teaches us an essential lesson: thanksgiving is often forged in the furnace of adversity.
With deep sincerity, the psalmist declares:
13 Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the Lord helped me.
14 The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Psalm 118:13-14
These verses reveal the intensity of the struggle the psalmist faced. The phrase “thou hast thrust sore at me” suggests violent opposition—an enemy determined to cause his downfall. This was not a minor inconvenience or a passing challenge; it was a direct and aggressive attempt to destroy him. Yet in the same breath, the psalmist acknowledges that the Lord intervened. God’s help was not theoretical—it was timely, powerful, and sufficient.
What makes this testimony so compelling is the psalmist’s clarity about the source of his deliverance. He does not credit his survival to luck, strategy, or human allies. He openly confesses that it was the Lord who helped him. This humility reveals a heart that understands dependence on God. True faith recognizes that without God’s intervention, defeat would be inevitable.
The declaration that “the Lord is my strength and song” is especially significant. Strength refers to the power God provides to endure and overcome adversity. Song, on the other hand, reflects joy, praise, and worship. Together, these words paint a picture of a believer who not only survives hardship but responds to it with worship. God is not merely a rescuer in times of crisis; He is also the reason for rejoicing afterward.
When the psalmist says that the Lord “is become my salvation,” he is acknowledging that deliverance came solely through God’s action. Salvation here is not limited to spiritual redemption, though it certainly points in that direction. It also includes physical rescue, emotional restoration, and divine protection. God saved him from falling, from shame, and from defeat.
This truth remains deeply relevant today. Many believers face opposition that, while different in form, carries the same intent—to cause discouragement, spiritual collapse, or loss of faith. Sometimes the enemy comes through people who wish us harm, through unjust accusations, or through circumstances designed to break our resolve. Yet even when others desire to see us fall, God stands as our defender.
Friends, there are moments in life when it feels as though the pressure is relentless. When it seems that one more push could cause everything to crumble. Psalm 118 reminds us that God’s hand is stronger than any force that rises against us. His protection is not passive; it is active and intentional. He guards His people with power and love.
Because of this, we are invited to echo the psalmist’s confession. Like him, we can declare that the Lord is our strength and our song. Even in dark moments, when hope feels fragile, God remains our salvation. He does not abandon His children in their weakness; He meets them there with grace.
Psalm 118 also points beyond the immediate experience of the psalmist to a greater fulfillment. Many Christians see in this psalm a prophetic glimpse of God’s ultimate act of salvation through Jesus Christ. The language of deliverance, victory, and thanksgiving finds its fullest expression in Christ, who defeated sin and death on behalf of all who believe.
This makes the psalm not only a personal testimony but also a communal declaration of faith. It invites every believer to remember past deliverances and to trust God for future ones. Gratitude becomes the natural response when we recognize how often God has intervened on our behalf.
Therefore, let us learn to speak as the psalmist spoke. Let us train our hearts to recognize God’s help, even when it comes quietly or unexpectedly. Let us proclaim that our strength does not come from ourselves, but from the Lord. And let us allow our songs of praise to rise, not only in times of victory, but also in moments of struggle.
In all our darkest moments, God has been—and continues to be—our salvation. He is faithful, powerful, and worthy of praise. May Psalm 118 encourage us to stand firm, to give thanks, and to trust fully in the Lord who saves.