Text: Psalm 18:20-24

At first read it may seem that David believed he earned his deliverance by personal works; however, he quickly brought perspective through repeating verse 20 again in verse 24 as he prefaced God’s practices, mercy, and grace. Spurgeon writes, “God first gives us holiness, and then rewards us for it. We are his workmanship; vessels made unto honour; and when made, the honour is not withheld from the vessel; though, in fact, it all belongs to the Potter upon whose wheel the vessel was fashioned.”

Yet that does not negate the fact that just as God had practices, so too did David. He chose both to do and not to do things: he had kept the ways of the Lord and had not wickedly departed from Him (cf. Psalm 18:21). And in his practices he makes a very revealing statement: “I kept myself from mine iniquity” (v. 23). Remember the words of James? “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (James 1:14 ESV).

It is so very important to not only know your strengths but also your areas of weakness—and then fortify yourself against them. When David said he “kept myself” that is exactly what he was doing. “Kept myself” is translated from the word shamar which means to hedge about; to guard. Thus, David desired to protect himself from himself; it is a practice that we must embrace as well.

Personal protection will include hedging ourselves (as David) with having kept the ways of the Lord as well as having not departed from Him. If carnal lust is a struggle, put only pure things before your eyes (cf. Job 31:1) and don’t go near the street, let alone the door of the adulterous woman (cf. Proverbs 5:8); if pure speech is a challenge, speak with caution and grace (cf. Colossians 4:6) and not in shadows or deceit (cf. 1 Peter 3:10); if unholy ambition is a weakness, humble yourself before the Lord (cf. James 4:10) and do not make “back door” alliances and propositions (cf. Matthew 20:20-22). Once we realize just how vulnerable we are to “mine iniquity” it is easy to see that we really do earn nothing, but receive any and all blessings by his grace.

Acknowledge your weakness today; know “mine iniquity’s” temptation and purpose in your heart to guard yourself from it. Thank God for His grace that will allow your protection.