Thy gentleness has made me great.

This psalm was written in the last stages of David’s life. The note before this Psalm reads: A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord, who spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.

David describes God in the light of his life experiences. He had faced many wars, and God had given him victory in all of them. The psalm is a summary of David’s walk with God.

1. (God) maketh my way perfect v. 32
‘Perfect’ denotes a straight way, not a crooked one. You might have been brought to church by a crooked way. But if you meet the God whom David worshipped, you will also declare this word.

God turned Saul into Paul, a man of prayer, in a street called ‘Straight’(Acts 9.11). If God is to anoint and use you for His Kingdom work, you need to stay on the straight path.

David lost his way in his walk with God and ended up committing adultery and murder. But God brought him back to the straight path. God is restoring straight vision, walk and ministry to many who have wandered off to crooked paths.

‘Perfect’ also denotes ‘secure’. During war, an army secures the way they have already crossed and conquered. This is the route for their provisions and ammunitions. Similarly God goes before us, defeats our enemies and makes our way secure. The Way is none other than Jesus.

Though the enemy had threatened him in many wars, David understood at the end of his life that God had already secured his path. Many of you will have the same revelation at the end of your days and you will witness the same.

2. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet v. 33
Claim this for your feet, and God will make it come to pass! The hind is a vulnerable beast, with many powerful enemies. Therefore the hind has no option but to outrun the lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. If it stays put, it will die at the hand of the enemy. David’s enemies were stronger than him (like Goliath) and had greater authority (like Saul). But, David understood that God gave him speed and anointing to outrun the enemy.

 You may have many enemies and many threats to your life. But God gives us speed and makes our feet strong. While many wait to see you fall, God has designed the way out for you. God lifts you step by step, so don’t despair. God is faithful to elevate you in due season. He will raise you and promote you to new heights. Your promotion may be in the face of a Goliath, but God will give you strength and stability. You are designed to stand on high places.

3. He teacheth my hands to war v.34
David understood that some wars were spiritual, and that God was training him accordingly. He discerned that Saul’s depression was demonic and so sang songs of worship for deliverance. Our war is in the spiritual realm and the church is the training school. God’s spirit will teach us to pray, worship and be established.

David did not learn warfare in the army like his brothers. He was taught by God amongst the sheep. Sometimes all you need to do is sit quietly among the sheep, though it might seem boring. God will train you for every battle you’ll face in the future, through his Word and worship. Learn your lessons well today, so you can be victorious in battle. Never underestimate the training of the Lord.

4. Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation v.35
God shields us against attacks both internal (sin, unbelief, worldliness) and external. God’s encouraging word cleanses you from within and gives you victory over your enemies. David understood that God had saved him all through his life. Jesus will give you the shield of salvation; all you need to do is claim it.

5. Thy gentleness hath made me great v.35

The Lord will gently nurture you into greatness. David realizes that God was a patient and loving teacher even when he made heavy work of easy lessons. God corrects even our mistakes with gentleness. Similarly, you should also be gentle with other people.

6. Thou hast enlarged my steps under me v.36
When all doors are shut and there seems to be no way ahead, God makes a path for you in the wilderness. David went through straightened paths and difficult crossings on many occasions in his life. But God made the way roomier so he could walk with confidence. 
Do not be afraid that you will slip and fall. The Holy Spirit gives you the boldness that God will enlarge your steps, and take you where you are meant to reach.