Rescue stories

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble…. –Psalm 107:1-2 (ESV)

Perhaps the best way to share truth with those around us is to tell our story. Many people we meet are in the middle of some difficult situation that is due, at least in part, to choices they’ve made. The only difference between them and us is we know someone who pulled us out of our mess. See if some of these examples ring a bell….

Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. –Psalm 107:4-5 (ESV)

Have you ever been lost? Looking for the way, but just not finding it? It wears you out, doesn’t it?

He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. –Psalm 107:7 (ESV)

Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. –Psalm 107:10-11 (ESV)

Have you ever been defiant? Determined to “go down fighting” rather than give in to what you knew in your heart was true? Where did it get you?

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. –Psalm 107:14 (ESV)

Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. –Psalm 107:17-18 (ESV)

Have you ever been senseless? Blinded to what was right and good because you were immersed in a sinful habit or a corrupt culture? Up becomes down and down becomes up.

He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. –Psalm 107:20 (ESV)

Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep. –Psalm 107:23-24 (ESV)

Have you ever been overly ambitious? Convinced that you could make your own way, that every good thing you enjoyed was earned as a result of your talent, cunning, and hard work? Then the storm hit….

He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. –Psalm 107:29 (ESV)

Four different rescue stories. In each case, the people involved came to the end of themselves with a common refrain that led to a common result:

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. –Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28 (ESV)

We’re going to meet people in distress, searching for something real and solid in the midst of confusion and anxiety. This is no time to be ambiguous. We all need God. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Tell your rescue story.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord. –Psalm 107:43 (ESV)