My family and I were recently hanging out with friends at a pool. Our two younger girls were both unable to swim but jumped fearlessly into the deep end into the security of their fathers arms. However, later in the day, the friend's daughter jumped trustfully into the coaxing arms of her older brother in the deep end. He quickly began to go under trying to keep her a float to little avail and in the blink of an eye they were both drowning unable to hold each other up. How much this resembles our Christian walk. We can jump into our Heavenly Father's arm safe and secure because He is strong, powerful, and bigger than the deep water. But we either become overconfident in what we think is our own ability or we trust something else that seems well-meaning, safe and capable. Quickly we realize it can't keep us afloat in the turbulent and deep waters of life, we need to be saved. Money can't keep us afloat, beauty has failed me long ago, even our family and friends, as loving and good intentioned as they are can't keep us from going under in the deep end. Only our Heavenly Father who is bigger than the deep end can catch us, keep us a float even after we've bobbed under, set us back on solid ground and save us when we jump in after the wrong safety net. Fortunately my keen lifeguarding skills acquired in highschool allowed me to react in time to heroically save them both. The hotel pool video may reveal more of the truth that I actually screamed like a high school girl and flailed through the water to almost drown myself trying to keep them up. Hmm, maybe there is a lesson there too. Well I better not stretch the analogy too far. Hopefully you get my drift. Only God saves.
So that is my lead in to Psalm 3. From God alone comes deliverance from life's problems. There is no reason for anxiety when you cry to the Lord for help.
Psalm 3 Questions:
1. What enemies or trials do you face today? Who is enemy #1 in your life? Is it fear of others opinion of you, or not having enough money, or is their a physical problem plaguing you?
2. What are the things the world trusts in? Do you rely on other things other than God to deliver you from problems? Is it your credit card, technology, friends, self-help books, or your good looks?
3. Can you recall an instance in your life that enemies/problems gathered around you? How did the Lord put a shield around you, bestow glory on you or lift your head in encouragement? When you thank him for providing for you yesterday it builds faith in Him for tomorrow.
4. Do you cry aloud to God or man? Who is the first one to hear your complaints? God or your husband, mom, friend, mentor, or pastor?
5. What do you think about lying in bed at night? Are you worrying or praying? Are you reviewing those that wronged you or are you seeking forgiveness for those you wronged? Are you praising Him for today or planning your own agenda for tomorrow?
6. Do you wait for the Lord to deliver you? Or do you think justice must be a matter taken into your own hands?
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