Psalms 18:3
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalms 18:3
This verse shows a decisive choice: the psalmist will call upon the Lord because He is worthy of praise. In ancient Near Eastern culture, invoking a deity was both a personal act and a public witness. Praising God arises from recognizing who He is—worthy of worship and trust. The phrase “so shall I be saved from mine enemies” ties salvation to divine companionship and intervention in danger. The verse sits within a psalm that recounts deliverance from enemies through God’s intervention, framing prayer and praise as connected practices. The structure often moves from problem to petition to praise, highlighting faith that God responds to praise with saving action. The insistence on God’s worthiness grounds confidence: praise is not a flimsy religious ritual but a response to who God is and what He has proven Himself to be in history.
The verse highlights several theological pillars: the primacy of God’s worthiness as the basis for prayer; the inseparability of praise and deliverance; and the communal effect of testimony—calling upon the Lord becomes a witness to others. It echoes the broader biblical pattern that worship and prayer are means by which God reveals faithfulness. When praised, God’s faithfulness becomes visible, encouraging others to trust. The verse also implies that salvation is found in relationship with God, not merely in external outcomes.
In moments of fear or danger, make it a habit to begin with praise: acknowledge God’s worthiness before presenting requests. This shifts perspective from helplessness to dependence on a worthy God. Practically, develop a routine: during morning or evening prayers, name God’s attributes—His faithfulness, power, mercy—before listing needs. In community, share testimonies of salvation—times when God delivered you—as a form of encouragement. When enemies or obstacles loom, remember that praise and prayer are powerful channels through which God works, strengthening your resolve and inviting His guidance.
Cross-References: Psalm 22:4-5; Psalm 34:1; Psalm 63:3-4; Isaiah 12:4-5; Luke 18:1