Life is hard. Daily, each of us face complexity and rough waters. We experience heartache and disappointments. A slight from a friend or cold shoulder at work can throw us for a loop. Life is unfair. Growing up has its own issues. The most influential time that shapes who we are comes during the ages of 0 to 18. Since none of us had perfect parents, we come into our present relationships with scars and baggage. The sins of our fathers has been passed down, even to the third and fourth generations (Ex. 34:7). The first part, lovingkindness, sounds great, but the second part, the stain of sin cripples and often hangs on in spite of our best efforts to remove it.
What can we do? The first step is taking refuge in God (Ps. 11:1). Putting our trust in anything or anyone besides God causes further heartache. Hoping that a spouse, child, job or hobby will provide our peace disappoints everytime. Only God delivers!
In addition, the foundations of society are crumbling. Government, our economic system and community support networks are under-funded without adequate resources or will to serve the public. The Psalmist asked why? (Ps. 11:3). Fortunately, God is not silent, but active. He tests every person on earth (Ps. 11:4-5). He literally examines each of us to assess the degree of integrity or wholeness in our lives. God loves righteousness, fairness or virtue but hates unrighteousness, oppression, cruelty or injustice.
You might say to yourself, “That’s great! Is God going to leave me in my present state when everything seems to be falling apart? What’s the use! I can’t attain God’s standards!” God has given us His word, not self-help strategies. His word is different than what we hear from humankind. It’s pure! It’s been tested! It’s been refined seven times (Ps. 12:6).
All of us experience heartache like the Psalmist. We aren’t happy with our careers, family or station in life. Other people seem to have more than us. We know character development is important, but it seems like an unattainable goal. Two steps forward and three steps back (Ps. 13:1-4).
But I have good news for you. We have a deliverer beyond anything the world has to offer. If we place our confidence in His lovingkindness, we obtain mercy and kindness. We get off the treadmill of performance and New Year’s resolutions. Isn’t it great to have someone for us instead of against us? God works on our team as our cheerleader (Ps. 13:5).
Because of such good news, we can rejoice in His salvation, which literally means help, victory and welfare. Not just in our spiritual lives but his salvation impacts every part of us: physical, mental and emotional deliverance (Ps. 13:6).
How do we obtain this deliverance? Looking back at Psalm 11-13, I observe the following applications God requires:
1. Take refuge in the Lord (Ps. 11:1)
2. Behold His face (Ps. 11:7)
3. Trust in His lovingkindness (Ps. 13:5a)
4. Rejoice in His salvation (Ps. 13:5b)
5. Sing to the Lord (Ps. 13:6a)
Are you saturating your mind, emotions and will in God’s word? He is our deliverer!
