Scripture:
Psalm, 118:5-9 ESV
[5] Out of my distress, I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. [6] The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? [7] The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. [8] It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. [9] It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.
Observation:
It’s hard to get to get away from that phrase. In fact, I would say it’s nearly impossible. “In my distress, I called on the LORD.” The second part of that verse is what should honestly catch our attention. That part never changes, either. The psalmist in Psalm 118 seems to know that when he calls on the LORD, GOD will take action. Yet he waits. I think verses 6 and 7 are proof of that. He is aware that GOD has his back saying the LORD is on my side. Man can not hurt me. The LORD has not only set him free and removed his fear of man but has given him victory as well. The psalmist knows he can trust the LORD. Taking refuge and shelter in HIM over man. So what is it that we see in these few short verses?
Application:
As someone who has been all the way to the bottom more than once, it’s easy to say something like, why don’t we call on GOD before it hurts. But that doesn’t change how we tend to react as humans. We wait, trying to fix it by ourselves. Thinking after this, I will change, or stop, or whatever. Knowing that GOD is the answer. We try and try until we are so beat up that we have no choice but to call on GOD and BAM!!! just like that, HE sets us free. But why do we wait so long, knowing that it’s in HIS character to help us. Did you know you can go to GOD before it gets bad? In fact, I think HE likes it better that way, and if we went to HIM before we found ourselves, despite maybe we would experience a lot less distress in our lives. GOD is so much more than a get-out-of-jail-free card. HE is your heavenly Father who loves you. I never really had a dad. So, by the time GOD found me, I had the opportunity to experience a lot of desperation and distress. Those were the times I would cry out to GOD. HELP!!!! I CAN’T TAKE ANYMORE!!! And without fail, GOD would set me free. The longer I walk with GOD, the less I have to cry out in desperation. That’s because I stay in contact with HIM throughout my day. HE is my ever-present help… that means HE is always there ready to guide me.. all I have to do is ask. Life does not have to hurt so much. You can go to GOD before you’re half dead and have nothing. In fact, I’m here to tell you it’s a lot easier that way. HE is not out to get you. HE is for you, not against you. You can trust HIM. You don’t have to fear, man, when the LORD has your back.
Prayer:
Father, we trust that you are for us. we pray that you will guide our lives through your word. We ask that you show us that we don’t have to wait until we are in distress before you will help us. We want to stay in contact with you at all times in all things. Letting your word by the light to our path and the lamp to our feet. We know that times will come when we have to lean on you more… but let us lean on you in the good times as well. We want you as the focus of our lives. We know that just that will draw people to us, and I turn to you. We want our lives to reflect you in all we do. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.