Psalm 18: Verses 16-18 (NLT Version)
He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
They attacked me at a moment when I was in deep distress,
But the LORD supported me.
As a fisherman’s granddaughter, I have a healthy respect for the sea, but also those who sail on it. One of my favourite charities, for personal family reasons, is the RNLI, whose volunteers put their own lives at risk to rescue those in trouble at sea.
Someone drowning in the sea is overwhelmed, panicking and literally gasping for breath. At that point the sea is overpowering and a much bigger, stronger force for the person in trouble to overcome. Imagine the relief of being thrown a lifeline!
David speaks of a time when he speaks of being as overwhelmed and desperate for help. And God reached down and rescued him. And not only that, continued to support him throughout his trials. When we are in circumstances that threaten to overwhelm us, we too can grasp the lifeline that God reaches down to offer us. We only need to pray, “Help me, God!” and that same, safe, strong arm will support us in the situation that threatens to swamp us.
Our circumstances may be bigger and stronger than us, but thank God that He is bigger and stronger than our circumstances, and He is well able to strengthen and support us.
Dear God,
Thank You for Your strong arm that will hold me fast when I feel overwhelmed. I pray that You will extend that lifeline to those I know that are struggling with the immensity of their circumstances. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen