“Your gentleness has made me great” (Psalms 18:35)

The words can be translated, “Your goodness has made me great”. David attributed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but to the goodness of God. "Your providence", is another possible translation; and providence is nothing more than goodness in action. Goodness is the seed, and providence is the harvest. Some translate it, "Your help", which is another word for providence; providence being the firm foundation of saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. Still another translation says, "Your humility has made me great". 

 If you put together all the possible translations, "Your condescension has made me great" may capture most of them, including the idea of humility. It’s God's making Himself little in order to make us great. We’re so little, if God didn’t stoop to our level, He would trample us; but God, who has to bow to view the skies, comes even lower for us, to regard the humble and meek, to make them great. 

 There are still more readings. For instance, the Septuagint reads, "Your discipline (Your Fatherly correction) has made me great”; while the Chaldee paraphrase reads, "Your Word has increased me." Still the idea is the same. David ascribes all his greatness to the condescending goodness of his Father in heaven. May this sentiment be echoed in our hearts this evening while we cast our crowns at Jesus' feet, and cry, "Your gentleness has made me great". How marvelous is God's gentleness! How gentle His corrections! How gentle His forbearance! How gentle His teachings! Meditate upon this theme, Oh believer. Let thankfulness flow; let humility be increased, and let love be quickened before you fall asleep tonight.