GOD IS OUR DELIVERER
- Key Verse
- "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. . . . He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." (Psalm 18:6 and 17)
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Central Truth
When we call out to God, He hears and responds to our cries for help.
Reflections
Have you ever had one of those times when everything seemed to be going wrong, and when you called out to God, you knew immediately that He had heard and responded to your prayer?
Just about three months ago we had that experience. The week had started with us visiting Alice's dad. He is 86. During the visit he did not recognize us and was totally unresponsive to us. He has no quality of life. It was depressing. The week was busy and tiring. As it came to a close Alice started having severe pain in her abdomen. She had a doctor's appointment but couldn't get there because of the pain. She was taken to the ER and found out she was passing a kidney stone. As we waited for the doctor, I received a call from a fellow elder discussing a difficult decision we had made that morning. While we were talking, our daughter Noelle called. She was crying and upset. She had just been "t-boned" in a parking lot. What was I to do now? Noelle needed help. Alice needed help. I needed help. God provided the answer. Going back to my first call with the elder, he willingly changed his plans and checked on my daughter while I stayed with Alice. God delivered each of us at just the right time.
In our passage today, David is at a similar point. Verse 6 says that in his distress (when all his enemies were after him and he laid at death's door), he called upon the Lord; he cried to God for help. God heard his cry and responded. He delivered David. This psalm praises God because David was able to see His deliverance and recognize that God is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our shield, the horn of our salvation, and our stronghold (v. 2). No one and no obstacle can stand against our God. Why did God do this? David gives the answer in verse 19b: "[H]e rescued me because he delighted in me." Does God delight in you?
Discussion Questions
1. Does God delight in you? Consider these verses: Psalm 147:11, Psalm 149:4, and Proverbs 11:20.2. When was the last time you called on God expecting His deliverance? How did He answer?
3. Are your expectations consistent with God's will? Are you basing your expectations on God's Word?
4. Have you thanked and praised God for loving you recently? If it has been a while, how about right now?
Ted Davenport
January 26, 2010 04:42 AM
Rick, the Davenport family have been thru a number of trials of our own as of late. Thanks for your reminder this morning that God is still in control, He's not surprised by our drama, He's fully capable to handle our woes, and He's our ultimate deliverer. I needed to hear this today. God bless you Brother.
Chip Smith
January 26, 2010 05:55 AM
Good morning Rick: In recent years, I hit a scary low point as I mourned the loss of my only sibling to cancer. I drove down to Orlando to pick up some of my sisters things along with a travel trailer my mom lived in during the final months of my sister's life here on earth. As I stood looking at my sisters things, the oppression of loss and grieving was enormous and overwhelming. I fell to my knees and cried out to God for help. Right there, God met me and delivered me. That night I decided to go sing some Karaoke near Disney World, whom my sister worked for. Our favorite show there is the "Lion King" musical. Low and behold, the entire cast of the "Lion King" came in and I listened to and sang with them the rest of the night! I even sang a duet of "Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong" with Nala's actress. God is great! Thank you for reminding me of that this morning.
Amy Baker
January 26, 2010 06:36 AM
This is one of my favorite Psalms. God led me here shortly after I got out of the hospital after the carjacking in 2006. During my recovery, I repeatedly experienced God's deliverance and felt his delight in me. Today, that's my prayer for our team serving in Haiti, and for all those who are helping the broken and hurting there. God be their shield, strength and their delight!
Dave Victor
January 26, 2010 08:20 AM
Rick, Thanks for the reminder this morning that God is in control all the time. I am comforted by this truth as I navigate through the difficult things in life.
Michael Whorton
January 26, 2010 08:28 AM
Thanks Rick .....for leading, serving and loving others.... I pray Dailey for His revealing, and His Love. Last night's sunset with all the most amazing colors, reminded me He is always here and always loving. m
John Covell
January 26, 2010 09:01 AM
Rick, God used His word in this passage and His word at work in your life to bless me this morning. Thanks! jc
Jeremiah Williams
January 26, 2010 10:28 AM
Ditto what Ted said! I think God looks at me like I look at my 4 year old...
Judy Miller
January 26, 2010 11:34 AM
Thanks Rick for great insight on how God is so much bigger than we think and does care about the details of our lives. Thanks also for your heart towards people and the way you lead.