Introduction

Hebrews 13:15

Gratitude in the Storm…

1.Anchors to a secure Love (1-3).

• David loved the LORD - love = Hebrew word raham (rah’-hehm) = This word is deeply related to the Hebrew word for womb. It is a deep heartfelt compassion - a love that feels like it comes from the inmost being. What is striking about this is this word is almost always used of God’s compassionate love toward us, not our love toward Him. Here are some examples:

  • Isaiah 49:15

  • Psalm 103:13

  • 1 John 4:19

• “LORD” YHVH is God’s Covenant name (Abraham, Moses, David)

  • Exodus 3:15

  • 2 Samuel 7:8-9

  • 2 Samuel 7:15-16

• David used these words to describe God’s covenant love = Rock, fortress, refuge, stronghold

Application: Unbeliever - See God's love for you (Romans 5:8). Respond to God's love for you (Romans 10:9-11). Believer - See God's love for you (Romans 5:8). Anchor to God's love (Ephesians 3:16-19).

2.Focuses on our Heavenly Deliverer (Read 18:4-19).

• YHVH was the “horn of David’s salvation” - verse 2

  • Luke 1:69

• YHVH rescued/delivered David

  • David called to the LORD (Psalm 18:6)

  • The LORD rescued David (Psalm 18:16-17)

  • The LORD gave David peace (Psalm 18:19)

  • The LORD put David in a “spacious place” - vs 19, 36

  • The LORD gave David sure footing - vs 33

Application: Only God can save you (Isaiah 43:11; Acts 4:12)! Only God brings peace/comfort (John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

3. Flows out of a faithful walk (Read Psalm 18:20-24).

• This isn’t pride or works salvation language

  • Romans 4:1-5

  • Romans 4:22-25

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

• This is covenant language

  • Psalm 18:25-26

Application: Live out of a response to God’s love (1 Peter 1:6-9). Live according to God’s Way/Word (Psalm 18:30; Psalm 19:7-9; Psalm 18:49)

4.Shrinks Enemies (37-42).

• Psalm 18:37-42

• 1 Samuel 17:45-47

• Romans 8:31-34

5.Proclaims Publicly (46-50).

• Psalm 18:49

• Psalm 40:10

• Psalm 96:3

Application: Publicly praise God! Sing praises to God!

Warm-Up Question

When life feels stressful or scary, what’s something that helps you feel safe?

Think of a time you were scared or overwhelmed. Who helped you, and what did they do that made you feel safe?

Transition:

Psalm 18 shows us how David found gratitude even in life’s storms — because he knew who God is.

Sermon Discussion:

1. Gratitude Anchors Us to God’s Secure Love (Read: Psalm 18:1–3)

Brief Explanation:

• David says “I love You, LORD” using raham — deep, tender, womb-like compassion.

• It is usually used of God’s love for us, not our love for Him.

Why does knowing God loves us deeply make it easier to trust Him during storms?

Which picture means the most to you today —Rock, Fortress, Refuge, or Stronghold? Why?

How do you personally feel God’s love when you are anxious or discouraged?

Share a time God’s love felt especially real to you.

What helps you remember God loves you — a song, a verse, a person, a habit?

Application:

What’s one practical way you can “anchor” to God’s love this week?

2. Gratitude Focuses on Our Heavenly Deliverer (Read: Psalm 18:4–19)

Brief Explanation:

• God is the horn of salvation — strength, victory, deliverance.

Where in this passage do you see God taking action for David?

Why do you think David kept calling out to God instead of giving up?

What does a “spacious place” (v.19) feel like emotionally or spiritually?

When you feel overwhelmed, what helps you “call out to the LORD” instead of shutting down?

Where in your life do you need God to rescue, strengthen, or bring peace right now?

How does remembering that Only God Saves keep you from trusting in yourself (Isa 43:11; Acts 4:12)?

Where do you need His peace this week?

3. Gratitude Flows From a Faithful Walk (4 minutes) (Read: Psalm 18:20–24)

Brief Explanation:

• This is covenant language — David isn’t earning salvation; he’s walking in relationship.

What’s the difference between working for God’s love and living from God’s love?

What’s one way our family can walk faithfully together this week?

What gets in the way of living God’s way — and how can we help each other?

What’s a specific step of obedience God might be calling you to take?

Which Scripture do you need to cling to right now?

4. Gratitude Shrinks Our Enemies (Read: Psalm 18:37–42)

Brief Explanation:

• When God is seen Biblically, problems get smaller.

How does seeing God’s strength change the size of your fears?

What’s something that feels like an “enemy” or challenge right now?

How does Romans 8:31 (“If God is for us…”) speak into that?

Choose one “enemy” (fear, worry, temptation, conflict). Pray as a family for God to shrink it this week.

5. Gratitude Proclaims God Publicly (Read: Psalm 18:46–50)

Brief Explanation:

• Gratitude becomes a witness.

Why does praising God out loud strengthen our faith?

Who in your life needs to hear what God has done for you?

What’s one story of God’s help or goodness your family can share with someone this week?

Name one thing right now you want to praise God for — go around the room and share.

Closing Prayer

“Father, through Jesus may we continually offer the sacrifice of praise. Help us anchor deeply in Your love, trust You as Deliverer, walk faithfully, see fears shrink, and boldly share Your goodness with others. Amen.”