Psalms – Prayers of Honesty
We had just returned from long trip of training a few churches. A couple of coworkers had gone with me to help with the training. We had a successful time with churches who were eager to learn and grow. There was a lot of talking and laughing but we were exhausted. After nine hours, we made it back to our office. I dropped off supplies and people at the office and then around 11pm headed for my 30 minute drive home. In all the busyness and fun, I failed to look at the gas guage. I just wanted to get home. The van wanted to be fed…in the middle of the darkness of night on US 224. After a brief panic, I prayed, Lord, I know this is my fault but please rescue me. Help me to figure this out. This was in the days before cell phones. I looked up and saw the only light ahead. There was an auction house about a half mile up the road. Cars and trucks were pulling away with their treasures. This was my only hope. I lunged from the van and made a run for it, my tired body pumping with new adrenalin. I made it just in time before the owners turned out the lights! I told them my trouble and asked to use the phone. I called my husband who raced to my rescue with fuel to get me home.
What a relief and joy to see him coming down the road. I never felt alone because I knew God was with me. God rescued me through the efforts of strangers and my husband. This is one of numerous times that God rescued me. Uneasiness turns to complete joy when we are rescued. Nothing else matters in the moment of rescue.
Psalm 13, The Message
A David Psalm
1-2 Long enough, God—
you’ve ignored me long enough.
I’ve looked at the back of your head
long enough. Long enough
I’ve carried this ton of trouble,
lived with a stomach full of pain.
Long enough my arrogant enemies
have looked down their noses at me.
3-4 Take a good look at me, God, my God;
I want to look life in the eye,
So no enemy can get the best of me
or laugh when I fall on my face.
5-6 I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms— I’m celebrating your rescue.
I’m singing at the top of my lungs,
I’m so full of answered prayers.
SOMETHING TO CHEW…
“I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.” Yes, David we truly get it. We celebrate with you.
I bet you have a story of rescue, too. Tell someone. I bet they have one, too. Then celebrate our Rescuer with praises and psalms…along with a little happy dancing.
HEART CHECK:
Think of a time when God rescued you. Did you celebrate God? How did you thank Him? Have you thanked Him lately?
What if we lived a life of celebrating God in such a way that made people wonder about the smile on our faces?
We are not only rescued…we are redeemed!
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have rescued us so many times in our lives. We celebrate You this morning as our Rescuer, Savior and Lord of Life. Many times you rescued me before I even knew I needed it…like this time in the dark when I ran out of gas. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being with us, looking over us and guiding us through it all. I love you, Lord with all my heart. I celebrate You this morning as I remember all you have done, are doing and will do in my life.
In Jesus Name, Amen
