Background to Psalms 18

David Survivor. 

For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 

Just as we have read in many of David's psalms (Ps. 13,16,17) David faced many dangers, and finally in Psalm 18, David had the opportunity to deliver himself from Saul by killing Saul (I Sam 24). Instead, David chose to spare Saul and trusted in God instead.

At other times David was delivered by a Philistine raid (1 Sam 23:26-29), wilderness (1 Sam 24:1-3), Saul's conscience (1 Sam 26) and running away (1 Sam 27:1-4) As we read Psalm 18, reflect on a time where we have felt helpless and in need of God's help, and of when God rescues us. 

Reflect on a time when we felt tempted to trust in ourselves than be faithful and to trust in God. 
“Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God[a] is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.” - Isaiah 12:2 (ESV)

Interesting point to think about. 
This psalm can be found in 2 Samuel 22. Does this new setting for the psalm add to the layers of meaning for you? 
Click here for Deffinbaugh approach to both passages.