When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles (Psalm 34:17, CEV).

Petrie Island, Ottawa, ON — photo by David Kitz

Reflection

This week’s I Love the Psalms theme is rescuing.

Have you ever needed rescuing? I recall hanging suspended upside down with my car on its roof in a snow-covered ditch. When you are in that position you see things from a different perspective. It’s not difficult in such times to find yourself crying out to God. On such occasions, today’s verse from the Psalms has special meaning:

When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles  (Psalm 34:17, CEV).

Yes, God did send someone to rescue me and my wife. In fact, we drove our flipped over car back into town that evening with no visible damage. The LORD does a good job of rescuing us from our troubles. On the other hand, do we do a good job of praying?

When I listen to a newscast, I can’t help but conclude that our world is in a huge amount of trouble. We need a God—a Savior—who will step in and rescue use from the mess we have created. And while we are at it, let’s stop this nonsense of blaming God for the disasters, hate and discord that we have created. We simply need God to rescue us from our troubles—the troubles we have set in motion.

Response: LORD God, this world is a mess. There are desperate people all over this world that need you to step in and rescue them. Please do that today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your Turn: Take a specific trouble and bring it before God today. Watch for answers in the days ahead.