He sent from on high, He took me, He drew me from out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay. He brought me forth also into a broad place: He rescued me, because He delighted in me.
Psalm 18:16-19
As I read this Psalm I was intrigued with the concept of "the Lord was my stay". I dug a little deeper and found that the word "stay" is meant as, my support, my protector, or my saviour.
I can imagine as David wrote this psalm, he probably wasn't considering who might be reading his words thousands of years later, however, his words continue to bring hope, to all who choose to trust in God's plan and purpose for their life, just as much today, as when David originally wrote this Psalm.
I take comfort in the fact that David is referred to as a man after God's heart and yet his life and choices didn't always represent God's heart. With choices come consequences, however, that doesn't over rule God's plan and purpose. God knew David's heart just as He knows yours and mine.
I love the imagery that these verses invoke...as if God Himself reached down from Heaven and physically pulled David of the water and saved him from drowning (from his own choices and at other times the choices of others).
Have you ever experienced "a day of calamity"? Calamity as defined by Dictionary.com is a disaster or misfortune, especially one causing extreme havoc, distress, or misery. As I consider this, I am humbled to read Davids words, that even in the midst of extreme havoc and distress, David knew in his heart that God would never leave nor forsake him, even in spite of his choices. His faith always remained stead fast and firm.
This verse is still applicable today, the Lord desires to be our "stay" just as He was for David.
Will you allow God to be your "stay" today?