“Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:17).
During a raging wildfire, a forest ranger saved a bear cub. At a recovery site safely away from those still fighting the inferno, he placed the rescued animal on the ground. Standing on its tiny back paws, the cub actually hugged the man’s calf. The ranger gently pried himself away. Mouth wide as if crying out in desperation, the little bear clambered and clawed in an attempt to remain in the refuge of his rescuer’s embrace. As the cub clung to his arm, the kind man relented and rubbed his furry friend’s head.
What if we pursued our ultimate rescuer – Jesus – with the same fierce desperation and confidence as the bear cub who pursued and clung to the one who saved him from death?
All people God made need saving. The psalmist David confessed his need for a rescuer – for God to hear and answer his prayers (Psalm 55:1-2). Admitting he faced troubles, threats, suffering, and fear, David pursued God with assurance. “As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me,” he said. “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice”. David prayed continually. He believed God listened and trusted that He would rescue him “unharmed”.
When we face difficulties or suffering of any kind, like David, we can cry out to God. Our loving Rescuer, who pursues us, hears and saves us when we pursue Him too.
Daily Questions
- How can you pursue God today?
- When has God rescued you from trouble or suffering?
Daily Prayer
Dear God, thank You for rescuing us from death through Christ and for being our refuge every day.
Amen.
Psalm 55:1-5, 16-22
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.”
“As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. God, who is enthroned from of old, who does not change – he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Reflection
David was in intense emotional anguish and was enduring devastating pain. This pain was caused by the betrayal of someone he trusted, one whom he described in endearing terms: “my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship”. Initially, the psalmist had considered hiding in the desert to escape the storm, hoping to isolate himself from the pain. He pictures himself as a bird taking flight into the desert, which he though would provide him with a safe place of refuge. Eventually, David chose to run to God instead, affirming that only He could rescue him and keep him safe. He says to “give your burdens to the Lord and he w3ill take care of you”. Just as God pursued David, He hears us and pursues us when we face difficulties.
No Thought Police 