I Love You, God,
My Strength

Strength, shelter, stronghold, shield, rock, champion, defense. These are the many titles for God used in Psalm 18 on this 31st Sunday that make us aware of what God has done for us. The psalm is also a reminder that the tradition has depicted God not only as masculine and feminine but also in neuter or inanimate images such as those used today. These and other diverse images found in Scripture reveal that while many images say something true about God, no image should ever be taken as exclusive or complete. As a response to the first reading, Psalm 18 underlines the mutuality of the relationship between God and individuals and with the people as a whole. Some scholars believe that this psalm of thanksgiving might be an authentic composition of King David himself, given credit for many psalms. Hence, the personal relationship. This psalm has 51 verses; we hear 6 this Sunday. As you reflect on this psalm, what titles would you use to acclaim the Holy One who has done great things in your life.

I love you, God my strength,
my shelter, my stronghold.
My God, I lean on you, my shield,
my rock, my champion, my defense.

When I call for help,
I am safe from my enemies.
Praise the Holy One!

God lives! Blessed be my rock,
the God who saves me.
You give great victory to your anointed,
you are faithful for all time.

[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago:
Liturgy Training Publications.]