Deliverance
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs (Psalm 22:20).
Have you ever been on a plane that was either in the midst of a storm or skirting it? How flimsy the armrests feel as you grip them tighter with each successive drop of turbulence. The overhead lockers clatter, and the people around you are frightened when the captain proclaims, ‘Flight attendants, please take your seats’. Your heart starts to pound against the inner wall of your chest. Because, in this situation, you have absolutely no control over what is going on around you: not over the weather or the captain or the fact that you are eight kilometres above the ground!
Rarely in life are we truly in control, which is why, in those heart-stopping moments, we cry out to God for deliverance, just as David did in our reading today. Surrounded by villains, sword-bearing enemies, packs of dogs, lions and wild oxen, David calls out, ‘Deliver me! Rescue me! Save my life!’
In those stressful moments of life, when we feel ruthlessly attacked and severely out of control, we can be reminded that we have a God who ‘… has not hidden his face from [us] but has listened to [our] cry for help’ (verse 24b). We are blessed to have a God who cares for us, stays with us in those times, and reminds us that ultimately, we are safe in him.
Thus, amid the storm or when hounded by ‘the wicked, the sinners and the mockers’ (Psalm 1:1), we can say, ‘Those who seek the Lord will praise him – may [our] hearts live forever!’ (verse 26b).
What is one time in your life when you’ve felt out of control? How did God help you through that time?
Divine Rescuer, in my times of fear, bring me to a place of safety where I can praise you. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who is part of the Grow Ministries team. Together, they have raised three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine and Greta. Dedicated to the written word, Reid has recently published his fourth novel, Blank Spaces, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
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