Being Rescued

 

The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

he is their stronghold in time of trouble.

The Lord helps them and delivers them;

he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

Psalm 37:39 – 40

The Lord is our salvation, stronghold, helper, deliverer, savior, and our refuge. Why do we struggle if scripture is true and God is ready, willing, and able to be all these things for us? There are three ways people are described in this passage.

#1. They are righteous. We are made right with God through our salvation, because of Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross for our sins. We are made pure and blameless.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

#2. The Lord is their stronghold. To whom or what do we turn to in our time of need and trouble? Alcohol? Food? Anger? Frustration? Stress? Worry? Grief? Depression? These are common strongholds, many turn to when in need. Instead, of looking inward in times of trouble and struggling, we can look upward to our Father who is waiting with outstretched arms.

#3. They take refuge in the Lord. He is the Good Shepherd. We can find safety and rest in His presence.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalm 23

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me righteous. Through Jesus’ sacrifice you have forgiven me, cleansed me and made me holy. Father, in times of trouble and when I struggle help me to remember you. Remind me you are my stronghold and are all I need. No matter what life brings my way, no matter what storms come, no matter the trials and heartaches, no matter what enemy is attacking, may I find my refuge always only in you. My Savior, you have won every battle. You have conquered death. You have secured my every victory. Thank you for your love, strength, and safety which will sustain me through every storm.

More key scriptures on righteousness: Jeremiah 23:6, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Philippians 3:8-9, Romans 5:17, 1 John 1:9