I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

If you’re like me, your purchases are value-driven. You want to know what’s the best thing out there. Past generations just stuck with a trusted brand from a department store. Nowadays we seek advice in the on-line opinions of others–even with sales people all around us. We studiously read the reviews. Truth is, stars matter! Here in Psalm 18–please read it all!–David gives the Lord five stars.

Some background on David’s dilemma first.

This ruddy young upstart, reported to have killed wild animals with his bare hands, even a giant with one smooth stone, yet a minstrel and poet laureate, was caught in the snares of death. He’d been hunted down by a king bent on vengeance, fueled by bitter jealousy, and he was terrified. With the “torrents of ungodliness” about to engulf him, he cried out in his distress to his God, and his God heard him. Immediately, the Lord “sped on the wings of the wind,” under the cover of darkness, to David’s aid, and crushed the opposition.

David was blown away, and he wanted to sing the Lord’s praises. He said this of his God. He’s my strength. He’s my rock. He’s my fortress. He’s my refuge. He’s my shield. He’s my stronghold. And he’s my salvation. He’s “worthy to be praised.” No doubt a favorable review. But he went on.

My God made my steps sure and agile like those of a deer on the crags of a mountain. Where there was no footing, he made a foothold. When there was no light, he illumined the way. He guided me with his right hand on the slippery slopes.

Then his review turned to the nuances, what the buyer needed to know to get the most out of the Most High.

You’ve got to read the manual, he wrote. You’ve got to follow the instructions! “For all his ordinances were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.” (v. 22) There’s no guarantee that you’ll be delivered just because you’re righteous and blameless. I recall Christ on the cross as an example. But you can pave the way for rescue, reward and repayment by keeping his ways (v. 21), by staying humble, faithful and obedient in times of trial. We want maximum blessings don’t we?

Today’s technology has made every thing you might buy “smart.” To get the most out of our purchases, you need to know and employ all the features. Here we have first-hand testimony of what God can and will do for us.

I don’t know about you, but I want to navigate life sure-footed and blessed.

From what I know from my experience, I give him all the stars in heaven!