Warner responded, "The first thing I've got to do is praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!'
Wow! What an uncommon athlete. Warner gave glory to God rather than seek glory and acclaim for himself. That's what David does in Psalm 18.
The subscription to this Psalm gives the reason for the writing of this song. David was hunted by his enemies with the same intensity that a rabid fan might seek an extra ticket to the Super Bowl. King Saul, filled with jealously and rage, brought the power of the kingdom against Dave and his small group of followers. Each time, God thwarted Saul's plans to destroy David. The evil king could never defeat the one - David - God had chosen to lead His people.
David responds by writing a majestic song of praise to his Lord. He points to God's grace as the reason for his many escapes and triumphs. David takes no credit for outfoxing Saul. He does not boast of having a superior intelligence or battle tactics. He sings, "I love you, O Lord, my strength." To the very end of the psalm, David keeps pointing to the grace and mercy of God as the reason for his success.
What has God surprised you with His grace? When did you experience His grace in an extraordinary way? Was it when He sustained you through a difficult experience? Was it when He removed you from a painful situation? Read Psalm 18 sometime this week. Think about the song of praise you could sing to the Lord. Here's the opening line to your first verse - "I love You, O Lord, my strength!"
