Read: Psalms 18-20
Psalms 18–20 were written by David after a long season of struggle. He had been fleeing for his life, pursued by King Saul. Many of his psalms began as desperate prayers and later became songs of praise because God answered him and delivered him from his enemies. David didn’t just believe God was faithful, he experienced it (A Beautiful Year in the Bible).
“I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” -Psalm 18:1–2
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” -Psalm 18:30–31
“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!” -Psalm 18:46
The word rock keeps repeating, a common theme throughout scripture. No, not Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, although I am a fan haha. This connects so clearly to what we read in Matthew about building your house on the rock. We know that God is our strength and refuge. We are reminded where real security comes from.
“The Lord was my support.” -Psalm 18:18
“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” -Psalm 18:28
As a mom, some days feel steady and strong, and other days feel chaotic, loud, and exhausting. There are moments that I feel confident and capable, and others where I feel stretched thin and unsure if I’m doing enough. I deal with mom guilt all the time! But God doesn’t shift with my moods or my sleep schedule. He is steady. He is solid. When everything around me feels noisy or overwhelming, He is still the Rock. He is always there for me. I want my kids to see that, not a perfect mom, but a mom who runs to her refuge.
I want to teach my children that they can go to God for whatever they need. Obviously, I want them to find strength, encouragement, safety, refuge, etcetera from me and their father. But I also want them to know that they have God the Father there for them as well. Teach your children to pray so that when they may feel scared or embarrassed to come to you with something, they can turn to the Lord instead of the world.
Testify to the Lord God Almighty! Creation itself testifies to Him.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” -Psalm 19:1
In my women’s Bible study the other night, we talked a lot about prayer. David prayed in distress, and he praised in deliverance. He trusted before he saw the outcome, and then he celebrated when God came through. David’s life reminds us that struggle and praise can exist in the same story.
If you’ve made it to week seven of reading, that’s amazing. If you’ve missed days, that’s okay too. It’s never too late to start again. God desires relationship with us. He wants proximity. He invites us to know Him through His Word and spending time reading and studying what He has to tell us.
God is the Rock, our Rock. He is our strength. He is our refuge.
Discussion Questions
- If God is our Rock, strength, and refuge — what does it look like to actually run to Him first instead of other coping mechanisms?
- David prayed in distress and praised in victory. Is it easier for you to pray when you’re struggling or when things are going well? Why do you think that is?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is mine and was taken with my iPhone 1.22.2026
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