Through not Around
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
- Psalm 34:4
Sometimes I want so badly for that to mean what it appears to, upon first glance: that looking to God means being saved from every tragedy, trial, and discomfort that I prefer to avoid.
But there's a problem with that interpretation of this verse: it's not true. Following Christ means heartache and suffering. Jesus does nothing to disguise these implications as he calls his followers to "take up their cross and follow" him.
So what does this verse mean? It means that while God may not deliver me from the things we fear, He delivers us from the fear of those things. Though he is able to part seas and restore sight, more often than not he is Deliverer in our trials, not from our trials.
Earlier this week, I found myself once again begging, hoping and pouting to be delivered from a particular situation. I didn't want to deal with what was difficult, uncomfortable, and painful...
BUT when I stopped trying to will it away, and truly surrendered my way to the Lord, I saw this verse in action. I felt supernatural strength, the peace that passes understanding.
Nothing about my circumstances changed and yet everything about my circumstances changed because GOD delivered me from my fears! I was given a new set of vision, a restored spirit, and a renewed heart.
Seek the Lord. He will prove himself to be your Deliverer!
And you can all ways fall at his feet and beg for mercy. So many of my prayers are; "Help!". Oh, how he mercifully delivers and changes circumstances. And if He should see fit to have me pass through the fire or flood, He upholds and strengthens!
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