March 14
Numbers 8-9
Psalm 34:1-7
Proverbs 8:6-7
Mark 12:28-44
Deliverance
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears…The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:1-4, 7 NIV
David begins this Psalm with praise, glorifying his Father in Heaven and recognizing that God alone is worthy of our praise. David knew from experience that only God could deliver him. He had intimate acquaintance with his God, and he knew that He alone had the power and authority to bring about deliverance not only from his circumstances, but from his fears. I heard an acrostic for fear several years ago that has stuck with me. It is False Evidence Appearing Real. Obviously, there are good fears that protect us from danger and alert us to impending harm. But many fears in our lives are Satan’s tactics to debilitate us and keep us from experiencing the peace and joy God has for us. For years I struggled with fear about my health. I had a melanoma that was found very early and removed without requiring any further treatment. While I experienced no physical side effects, I was left with a fear that gripped me and would not let go. For years, every discomfort, pain or ache was magnified in my mind so that I believed I had cancer. I spent many nights worrying about whatever twinge I happened to be feeling at the time. I let my mind wander down dark paths of fear and dread. I knew in my mind that this was unproductive, and that Satan was using this to distract me and keep me from fulfilling God’s purposes in my life, but I felt powerless to do anything about it. I can’t really explain what happened, but one night in a church service I knew I had had enough. I knew that God would deliver me from this fear, but I had to acknowledge it and give it to Him once and for all. That night I went to the altar and left my fear there. My pastor and the elders of our church prayed for me, and I was delivered from my fear. Since that day, I have not experienced that gripping, paralyzing weight that had been my constant companion. Occasionally, when I have one of those aches and pains that seem to come more frequently as I age, I have a passing thought about cancer, but I do not let my mind wander down that path. God has replaced my fear with peace. He has my life in His hands. I can testify with David that I sought the Lord and He delivered me from my fears. The Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. “For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (HCSB)
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