What does Psalm 18:33 mean?

In many cultures, animals such as gazelles, antelope, or deer are symbols of agility. David acknowledges God's assistance in escaping enemies, using that imagery. One can picture a speedy, sure-footed deer outrunning a predator. Likewise, high ground is an advantage in battle. The security David feels through God is like being settled into a high, defended area.

Like David, the apostle Paul acknowledged the Lord as his strength. He was aware of his human weakness but received strength from God to overcome his trials. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:10, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Christ invites everyone to set aside the burden of trying to "save" themselves; in contrast, His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:28–30). A yoke joins two animals together for plowing, and similarly believers are "yoked" to Christ. Alone, a Christian would easily tire, but yoked to Christ the believer draws strength from Him. If the Lord calls us to perform a specific task, He will give us the strength to accomplish it. It is no wonder Paul tells Timothy, a young pastor, to "be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1)!