My Personal God: My Deliverer
by David Chadwick God is our refuge and strength. He wants to be a very present help to us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He desires to have a close and personal relationship with each one of his children. King David also describes his relationship with God by calling him "my deliverer" (Psalm 18:2)? We, too, are invited into that kind of personal relationship where we know God the same way. God wants to protect you and keep you. He wants to give you peace and to deliver you from your enemies. Jesus said this to us in John 16:33: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." We are going to face problems in this world. And every single one of us will experience enemies. Satan is the most obvious enemy. He is the evil one assigned to relentlessly pursue us. He wants to control our lives, use us as his pawn, trap us in sin, and keep us in a prison of discouragement and despair. He desires that we feel entrapped with no hope. But God. Rich in mercy. Abounding in love. He came to set us free! The Lord's gracious gift of mercy delivers us from our sin. When we become entrapped, overwhelmed or burdened, turn to Jesus. He forgives us and sets us free, washing away our mistakes and giving us new life and hope. Jesus said to pray like this: "Deliver us from evil" (Matthew 6:13). Do you know God as your deliverer? Today, confess your heart to the Lord: "Father, I'm a sinner. Thank you for your gift of grace. Daddy, deliver me from evil - both from enemies who are after me and from my own fleshly desires. You are my deliverer and I love you!" In this life, you will have many afflictions and enemies, but the Lord will deliver. The victory of Jesus has overcome the world.