Divine Rescue

“I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”

~ Psalm 37:25

I love reading the psalms. They soothe my heart in so many ways, and the psalmist seems to capture the feelings of my heart, often with marksman style accuracy. There are, however, occasions I read a passage like this, and as much as I wish I could confidently claim it, the legs of my faith are not strong enough to push me to the edge of the pool where the healing is being dispensed.

Psalms 37:25 is one of those passages. I know that one day, I will say it with absolute confidence, but as I process where things are in my life, I have to say, “Lord, I know this passage is true, but I am having trouble seeing it as mine to say.”

This verse is a declaration of the psalmist’s personal experience and observation. He asserts that throughout his life; he has never witnessed the righteous, those who follow God’s ways, being abandoned or left in need. Even in times of hardship, God has consistently provided for them and their families.

The underlying message of this verse is one of hope and trust in God’s providence, and it tells me that those who live according to God’s principles can expect His blessing and protection, even in the face of adversity. The psalmist’s testimony serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and will ultimately care for His people.

In a recent bout of back and forth from my heart to God, He once again reminded me of this passage in a way I had never really considered before, and that perspective shift was immensely comforting.

The story of Jeremiah being thrown into a pit (Jeremiah 38:1-6) is a reminder of the depths to which our lives can plunge. It’s a tale of despair, betrayal, and seemingly insurmountable odds. Yet, amidst the darkness, hope shines through God’s unwavering presence and His meticulous plan for our rescue.

As Jeremiah was unjustly betrayed, condemned, and hurled into the pit, his future seemed bleak. The plans to harm him were set in motion, and it appeared as though there was no escape. But during this turmoil, God was already at work, preparing the very man who would lift Jeremiah out of the pit.

The events unknown to Jeremiah during his most crushing moments of pain, was that God touched the heart of a man named Ebed-melech and he was preparing ropes and a sling to rescue him with. Then, we get this wild detail that hit me with a psalm 37 truth. This man, Ebed-melech, took great care to fasten rags to the ropes that would position underneath Jeremiah’s arms and provide comfort as he was being pulled from the grasp of the mud he was stuck in at the bottom of the pit. (Jeremiah 38:7-13). This seemingly insignificant detail speaks volumes about God’s care. Even in the most dire circumstances, He is mindful of our physical and emotional well-being. He is aware of our pain, our fears, and our longing for relief.

God’s rescue plan was not an impulsive one. It was carefully crafted, considering every aspect of Jeremiah’s situation. The man who would ultimately save him was chosen specifically for this task. He was equipped with the strength, the courage, and the compassion needed to bring Jeremiah back to safety.

As we navigate the challenges and trials of our own lives, it’s comforting to know that God is watching over us. He is aware of the pits we may find ourselves in, and He is already preparing our rescue. Just as He did for Jeremiah, He is designing a plan that is tailored to our individual needs and circumstances.

While we may feel lost and alone, we can trust that God is several steps ahead. He is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events and preparing the people who will be instrumental in our deliverance. He is aware of our pain, our fears, and our longing for hope. And He is committed to seeing us through to the other side.

So, let us hold on to this truth: even in the darkest of times, God is with us. He is preparing a rescue that is perfectly suited for us. And just as He lifted Jeremiah out of the pit, He will lift us up as well.

~Daniel