Psalm 6 O Lord, Deliver My Life

Many years ago, I was sick with a fever but did not want to stay in bed. Against the will of my parents, I snuck out the house to play. My peers were racing downhill with carts made out of wood and ball-bearings. I decided to race myself though I was not fit to do so. Unfortunately, I lost control of my cart and hit a car around the corner at the end of the hill. I tried to walk up the hill again and collapsed on the street. My family took me to the hospital and X-Rays showed no broken bones. But the fact was that I could not walk. I spent the good part of the next month in bed unable to do anything on my own. As I was in bed and reflected upon my plight, I realized that I had been very obstinate in my disobedience and I cried for deliverance.

Tragic events in our lives have the power to transform our souls. In Psalm 6, David also cries for deliverance as he introspectively examines his own life and realizes that he needs God to transform it. The appeal that David makes is not for the sake of his own goodness, or his deeds, not even his belief. He appeals to the steadfast love of the Lord. God's mercy and compassion, love and grace are the reasons for our appeal before him to deliver us. For the sake of his steadfast love, God will listen to his people when in distress. But it is important for us to present ourselves before our God with an open heart, honestly admitting the state of our souls.

I was transformed by that accident. My attitude towards life, family, and God changed forever. Today, I stand by the grace of God. He responded to my cry for deliverance for the sake of his steadfast love.

Father, thank you for lessons learned in the past and don't let me forget. Help me have a heart that is always seeking after you every day of my life. May my distress become a lesson that benefits my soul.
Amen.

Psalm 3 Save me, OMG!

While visiting Aqaba, Jordan, I went out snorkeling to take a peek at its beautiful coral reefs and fish. The view was spectacular. Unfortunately, the current had dragged me quite a distance from shore and I was not able to swim back. It did not matter how hard I tried, I just got tired and could not go on. Fortunately, there were ropes installed offshore for snorkelers like me. I hung unto the rope and cried out for help. A lifeguard heard me and came to rescue me. He dragged me all the way to shore safely.

In Psalm 3, David cries out to the Lord in his time of distress. He was being persecuted by his own son and his life was in danger. In the midst of his distress he cries out to the Lord with an OMG (O My God). Here is the proper use of an OMG - as a call unto the Lord in the midst of our distress. The Lord listened to his prayer and  he was able to sleep because all his fears left him.

On many occasions, I have been in great distress. Whether it be due to lack of money to pay the bills, or sickness striking one of my kids, or  stress in a close relationship, all these tend to rob me of my peace. The anxiety does not allow me to even sleep. Under such circumstances, like David, I have cried out to God to save me from my distress. And he did. Salvation belongs to the Lord!

I have experienced first hand, like David, that the Lord is a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. The Lord offers protection from distress to the point of making us able to sleep well in peace. He is our glory, the one in whom we take great pleasure and delight. When we call on him, he soothes our soul with his very presence. His is the lifter of our head, the one who encourages us in the midst of our ordeal. God not only saves our souls from eternal condemnation, but in the here and now, he saves us from the distress of life trying to choke faith out of us. It is important to note that David's circumstances did not change immediately, but he changed right away when he called upon the Lord.

So, when in distress, cry out to the Lord: "Save me, O My God!"

Father, help me to cry out to you in my time of distress and realize that you are able and willing to rescue me. Amen