In our times of distress, we can call out to the Lord, and He answers us and sets us free. When the Lord is on our side, we have nothing to fear. Even if people abuse us, He is right there with us and in us (Psalm 118:5-6). God promises not to hide His face from us when we cry out to Him, and He champions our cause (Psalm 22:24, 140:12).
God cares about the abused and the oppressed. He does not look down upon the mistreated, and He abhors our affliction. He gathers our tears in His bottle and records them in His journal (Psalm 56:8). He redeems the soul of the afflicted from deceit and violence. Our blood is precious in His sight (Psalm 72:14).
God promises to lift up the distressed above those who try to hurt them and to deliver them from violent people (Psalm 18:48). He makes things right and provides the afflicted with a refuge in Him from harassment and trouble (Psalm 9:9; 103:6). He brings down the haughty evil person and saves the tormented (2 Samuel 22:28). His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 118:2-4).
It is better for us to trust in the Lord, rather than in people. They are simply human with all our faults, and they overly schedule their time, forget their priorities, and let us down. Then we must struggle with resentment and maybe even bitterness, which if not dealt with will cause us to ruin or negatively affect relationships.
As authentic Born Again Believers, we are always in the Lord’s favor, and He always helps us as we trust in Him alone. We will look in triumph over our oppressors, because with the authority of the Lord, we do not allow them to penetrate the thoughts or emotions of our soul. They do their best to overcome us, but the Lord rescues us from them all (Psalm 118:7, 10-13).
Prayer:
Father God, remind us that we are all human, and we all fail You and each other from time to time. It is better to take refuge in You and to trust in You than to count on people. We trust in Your strong arm to bring us to triumph in all our trials. We sing songs of praise to You because You do glorious things on our behalf (Psalm 118:15-16). Thank You for your discipline that keeps us on Your straight and narrow road and does not allow us to wander off on the wide road to destruction (Psalm 118:18).
Thank You for saving us, and for giving us success when we follow Your perfect plans for us. You are our God, and we give You all honor and praise because it is due to Your powerful name. Help us to continue to exalt You above the idols that attempt to remove You from the throne of our life. You are good and faithful to us, and Your peace, joy, and love endure forever (Psalm 118:25, 28-29). We will rejoice and be glad in You with each new day that You give us to serve You.
Thoughts for the Day:
God tells the church to bear one another burdens, and we encourage each other in our times of distress. We can serve as a Guardian Ad Litem for a child, or help in a shelter for the abused, or visit the imprisoned and widows, or buy two of something we need and share the extra one with someone else who needs it. The possibilities for our service to God and others are limitless.
- Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 12:12
