– God Is My Protector And Deliverer
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Corinthians 11:2-34 and Psalm 140 (NIV)
(Susan Ong, APZL (Zone 11))
READ:
As I read through Psalm 140 and 1 Corinthians 11: 2-34, the verses that spoke to me were :
Psalm 140
- V1: Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me….
- V3: They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s;…
- V6: I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Hear, Lord, my cry for mercy.
- V7: Sovereign Lord, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
- V12: I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
- V13: Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
1 CORINTHIANS 11
- V28: Everyone ought to examine themselves…
OBSERVE:
Psalm 140 reminded me of recent strong conflicts between some unreasonable people and myself. I was shocked to find that they suddenly made “their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s (V3). They threw false accusations at me, and refused to listen to my explanations. I am still deeply hurt and feel unjustly treated. However, I am comforted that God will never fail to listen to my “cry for mercy” (V6) and will “rescue …and protect” (V1) me. He will secure justice for me (V12) and uphold my cause.
At the moment, I am also facing some health issues. Once again, Psalm 140 reassures me the Lord will hear my cry for mercy. He is sovereign. Not only will He be my protector and strong deliverer, He will also “shield my head in the day of battle” (V7).
APPLY:
Suffering and troubles are inevitable, but I take heart that whenever I face any crisis, I have a loving God who is ever-ready to hear my cries for mercy.
I know that He not only hears my pleas, but He will secure justice, uphold my cause, protect and deliver me and bring comfort and reassurance so my head will be shielded on the day of battle.
Praising His name and living a righteous and upright life are imperative if I want to be in God’s presence (V13).
DO:
I will try to memorise the relevant verses in Psalm 140, so as to remind myself that I am never alone because God is always there for me, listening to my cries for mercy.
I will continue to build my relationship with God, making sure to read His word and to pray daily.
I will not be afraid in times of crises, because I have a God who rescues, protects, delivers and shields me. For Romans 8:37 tells us that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”.
No matter what circumstances I may be in, I will continue to praise God, and to be vigilant to stay righteous and upright so that I can enjoy His presence. I will thus continually examine myself (1 Cor 11:28) and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to me any behaviour or thoughts which are displeasing to God, and seek His forgiveness.
God is sovereign, and I will wait patiently for His deliverance, in whatever way He deems fit.
PRAY:
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you for your goodness and mercy. Thank you for your listening ears, protection and deliverance. I shall not be afraid no matter what negative circumstances come my way because I know you are with me and will never leave me nor forsake me (Deut 31:6). May this reflection bring comfort and encouragement to those who need your protection and deliverance. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen!
