What does Psalm 18:30 mean?

David states categorically that God's way is perfect, and His Word proves true. He does not say God's way is easy, but it is perfect. David's years of evading Saul and his men brought hardship, as did subsequent conflicts with other enemies. But through it all God was true to His word and perfectly used every trial to mold David into a faithful servant (2 Samuel 22:1). Also, during those years of testing, the Lord was David's shield, and David writes that the Lord "is a shield for all those who take refuge in him."

The Christian life is not easy—anyone who claims that salvation brings an easier life is lying (John 16:33). The apostles certainly faced hardship and opposition for the sake of Christ, and we should not expect anything different (2 Timothy 3:12). Nevertheless, the Lord uses every difficulty we encounter to develop Christlike character in us (Romans 5:3–5; 8:28–30; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–9). Romans 8:35–39 guarantee that even harsh adversities are not indicators that God no longer loves us.

Writing from a prison, the apostle Paul testified: "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:12–13). Indeed, God's way is perfect, and He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection!