“Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev 7:10).
The title of this meditation, taken from verse 3 of Psalm 35, is the heartbeat of the Psalter and the core of the Bible’s revelation to man. Not only is the Lord the cure for every sin, He’s the comfort for our sorrow, our tranquility in distress, companionship for the journey, and wisdom from above. He comforts my heart, cleanses my conscience, guides my steps, brightens my hope, and illuminates my mind. He knows where the traps are hidden (v 7). This psalm will show us how successful the Lord is in soothing every pain, securing every promise, and supplying every provision. David describes how dangerous the world is for the believer. We need a mighty Companion, a very present Help in trouble. “Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help” (Ps 35:1-2). This may have been written on the occasion of David fleeing Saul’s palace. It certainly fits with the following description: “Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me” (v 3). The psalmist knew what it was like to have spears and javelins whizzing by! And with such danger all around, being relentlessly pursued (vv 3, 6), what is he doing? “My soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation” (v 9). He had learned this was one of the saint’s secret weapons. What sweet defiance to march into battle singing the victory song! Twice over, he makes request that “the angel of the Lord” (the preincarnate Son of God) be his avenger (vv 5-6). These two are a part of seven requests beginning with “Let” (vv 4-8). Yes, indeed. Putting it as politely as we can, David says to us, “GET OUT OF THE WAY! Just allow the Lord to carry on!”