An Instrument of the Lord

Psalm 34:17-19 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all. (NRSV)

The rescuing hand of God is a constant theme throughout the Old Testament and New. And that’s good news – sensational news in fact, that when we’re in trouble God is right there to get us through. 

I’m sure, like me, you’ve had times in your life when you’ve needed His rescuing hand, His strength, His encouragement, to get you through a perilous patch. Me too. 

Psalm 34 was written by King David of Israel reflecting on God’s faithfulness in one of his many perilous patches:

Psalm 34:17-19 When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all. (NRSV)

What an awesome affirmation of God’s faithfulness in times of trouble and distress. He hears our cries. He rescues us from all our troubles. He is near to the brokenhearted. He saves the crushed in spirit. 

Hallelujah! But you know, sometimes He does all those things through one of His people, through one of us. Sometimes He intends to answer, to rescue, to comfort, to save someone through you and through me.

Are you ready? Will you go? What a privilege it is to be an instrument of the Lord, a special vessel ready for every good work. But make no mistake. There will be a cost. There always is. We’re called to be imitators of God. Great … but remember, He died for us on that Cross. So can I ask you again? Are you ready? Will you go?

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.