Trust grows from the foundation of reliability. Good companies test their products to show proof of safety. A person will tread cautiously on a slippery surface (if they’re wise) to assess its integrity and avoid injury. Faith’s strength depends entirely on the dependability of its object.

Psalm 18 celebrates God’s utter steadfastness. It’s an anthem of praise that showcases God’s commitment to David as the Messiah and, therefore, to his people. It begins with a declaration of David’s love for God, a love tied to the certainty that God, in his strength, provides. It finishes similarly, acknowledging God’s work in securing victory but ascribing that to his love for his people. In Psalm 18 we’re reminded of the eternal truth of God’s love that is echoed in the pages of the New Testament: “This is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us…”.       

All God does flows from all God is, and all God is, is perfect. His ways are faultless, and so his word contains no trace of falsehood.  It is entirely reliable. What he promises, he fulfils.  His word breathes life and brings vitality. It unfurls the cords of death and rescues from the grave. Amid every worldly danger, God offers refuge.

God’s reliability fuels our confidence and gives unshakeable integrity to our faith. It provides us with safety and comfort and enables us to look forward in hope. It catalyses our ability to persevere in a dark world, knowing that the light of his perfection will bring a new dawn. It permits joy amid sadness and optimism amid struggle. Every opposing force that has ever attacked humanity meets its match in our God. Sickness, sinfulness, suffering, evil regimes, war, famine, satanic forces. God stands over them and, with one breath, can subdue them all. His way is perfect, utterly reliable.  His word is a rock of refuge on which all our fears and failures can be laid to rest and from which our life can grow verdantly.