Tuesday, September 10, 2024

He delivers

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. – Psalms 34:19

I love the invention of the delivery service.  It is so convenient to have things dropped off at my door.  It saves me so much time and running around.  Whether it’s my groceries, something I need for work or a gift for someone I care about, it is awesome to be able to go online, click the buttons and voilà, it shows up on my doorstep.

 I had never considered the kind of delivery that God offers us.  It is way more impressive than receiving material items.  His deliveries go beyond the natural world.  Psalm 34 show us God’s faithful care for His people. It says that when we are in the middle of trials, He delivers hope, comfort, and peace.  The most amazing thing is that this chapter assures us that He will deliver us out of ALL our troubles.  This isn’t even one thing that He will not rescue us from.

The reality is that every believer is going to experience struggles.  Being saved does not mean we are immune to attacks from the enemy or hardships in life.  The secret is in knowing how to handle those attacks and how to turn them over to God and trust Him to get us through to the other side.  As God’s people, we are not exempt from problems. We face difficulties, pain, and trials just like everyone else. However, our afflictions are not the end of the story.

While we may face physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges, God promises that He is intimately involved in each one. The word “many” in this passage suggests that trials are a part of life, but they do not define who we are. What truly defines our lives is how God responds to those afflictions: He delivers us out of them all.

It is such a powerful revelation to realize that God’s deliverance is a sure thing.  Just as you depend on your online orders to show up on your doorstep, you are even more assured that God will show up, step into your circumstances and pull you out or walk beside you to deliver you from whatever you come up against.  This scripture doesn’t say that we might be delivered or that deliverance is possible for some; it says “the Lord delivers him out of them all.” That’s the power of God’s protection over His children. No matter what trouble, heartache, or challenge you face, God’s promise is to bring you through it, every time.

This deliverance doesn’t always mean an immediate escape from your difficulties, but it guarantees that God is with you through the storm. He never leaves you to face life’s challenges alone. He strengthens, guides, and protects you until the day your delivery arrives.

This Psalm doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that life can break us. In verse 18, we find one of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” If you are feeling crushed under the weight of life’s burdens, this verse is for you. God is not distant or far off. He is near, close to you in your pain, ready to bring comfort and healing.

This closeness of God is not just a vague feeling; it’s an active, loving presence. He meets you in your brokenness, offering hope and restoration. When your spirit is crushed by grief, loss, or disappointment, God lifts you up and carries you through.

David started this message with a declaration of praise: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”  What an inspiring perspective! Even in the midst of afflictions, David chose to praise God. This is the key to experiencing the peace and joy of God, even when life is hard. When we focus on God’s goodness rather than our problems, we are reminded that He is greater than any trial we face. Praise lifts our eyes off our circumstances and sets them on God, who is mighty to save.

Then in verse 4, David says, “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”  Fear is not something we have to accept or endure, but rather He delivers us from every anxious and fearful thought or circumstance. This verse encourages us to actively seek God in the midst of our troubles. When we turn to Him, He promises to answer. God is not passive; He is involved and responsive to the cries of His children.

I don’t want to leave out one of the most encouraging promises in this psalm that is found in verse 7: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” God’s angels also deliver.  Imagine the image of God’s angels surrounding you, guarding you from harm. God’s protection is like a fortress, encircling you with His presence and shielding you from Satan’s onslaughts.  Even when you can’t see it, God is actively working to protect you. His deliverance is not just a future promise; it’s happening right now in ways you may not even realize.

This act of seeking God is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can trust in His goodness. Verse 8 urges us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” Experiencing God’s goodness is not just a mental exercise; it’s an invitation to encounter His love, faithfulness, and protection in a real and tangible way.  It is so good you that the bible says you can taste it.

Today I want to encourage you that God sees, God hears, and God delivers. Though you may face many trials, you can take heart knowing that the Lord is with you every step of the way. He is your refuge, your protector, and the one who brings you out of every affliction. If you are walking through a season of difficulty, hold on to the promises of this Psalm. Trust that God is working on your behalf, and He will bring you through to victory. So, no matter what trouble, heartache, or challenge you face today, remember this: God’s delivery is always faithful. He’s never late, and He never fails. When the pressures of life close in, trust that His deliverance is already on its way—bringing through every single time.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 34

1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.

6 This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

9 Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.

10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.

20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

Published by L. Lyden

Lynette is an author who uses her gifts and influence to encourage and promote aspiring writers. Her Daily Dose blog has been an outlet for her to encourage readers to walk closer to God each day. She is a wife, mother and grandmother who loves spending time and going on special outings with her family.

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