“He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.” (2 Samuel 22:17, NLT)
David was in deep. The biblical books of 1 and 2 Samuel record all that befell David. His life was not easy. He was overlooked as a young child, often hassled by older brothers. He was threatened with death by the giant Goliath. He was hunted by Saul’s soldiers. He was a wanted man. His first son with Bathsheba died. David’s son Absalom took up arms and fought David. And, even when things started going his way, David committed adultery and murder. It seemed that David could not get away from poor choices, trials, and temptations. His life seemed cursed at every turn.
Repeatedly, David cried out to God. He begged God for help. He sought God’s wisdom. David looked to God for hope and a way out of his messy life. 2 Samuel 22:17, our scripture for today, contains David’s thoughts later in life. On looking back, David wrote “He [God] reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.”. David knew that the despite all the turmoil and challenges and threats befalling him, God had a plan. Each time David messed up God’s plan or evil threatened to overtake him, David cried to his Father in Heaven. Over and over, God rescued David. One certain thing in David’s life remained present: God’s grace. David looked for it, relied on it, and trusted it. When David felt like he was drowning in his own mistakes and lost causes, David sought out God’s direction. God “drew him out of the deep waters”, out of the messes. God came through, blessing David greatly.
You may think that David just used God as his “get out of jail free” card. Not in the least. David repented of his sins, atoned for his mistakes, sought out God’s direction, and made things right with God and those he had wronged. This is not easy for people to do. Do you find it easy to face your mistakes, own up to your screw-ups, and tell others you are sorry? David knew this was the only way he was going to remain in God’s grace. This was the only way to come back from sin. This was why God kept pulling David out of the “deep waters:” that he got himself into!
When was the last time you felt like you were drowning in problems, overwhelmed with responsibilities, or overcome with debts? Did you look to God for help? Did you trust in God’s wisdom and grace? Were you willing to make things right while following God’s lead?
Have you ever felt yourself sinking into sin? For young Leslie, it started with lying. As a teen, she found out that if she lied, she could do what she wanted when she wanted. Lying covered up her insecurities, released her from perceived fears, and helped her to become popular. However, lying led to other things. Lying led to sneaking out to parties. It led to drinking alcohol with friends. Leslie could feel how lies and the sneaking around damaged relationships with those she cared about like family. She could feel her soul sliding down a path of sinfulness. Still, she enjoyed being popular in school and garnering attention from boys.
While Leslie partied with a hundred other high school students one Friday night, the police were called. Wanting to hide her guilt, her drinking, and her lies, Leslie ran from the house to the road. A guy in her class offered to take her to a safe place. Naively, she left with him. Later, he slipped a date rape drug into a drink he offered. She was raped. When she figured out what had happened the next day, she was traumatized. She thought about hiding everything. She began to hyperventilate at the thought of all that happened to her and all the lies she would have to tell. She trembled at the thought of how her parents might respond. She feared what other girls at school would do with this information. Leslie was drowning in guilt, agony, pain, shame, and so much more. In a moment of clarity, she cried out to God. She prayed the most honest prayer in her life she had ever uttered aloud. She begged God to help her through. She then vowed to listen to God’s voice and do what was right.
A few hours later, Leslie told her parents what had happened. The police got involved. The school got involved. Friends began to take sides. It was a mess. Now, Leslie was drowning in her own tears and suffering the onslaught of public judgment. Through it all, she kept her promise. She did what God called her to do. She faced it all with God’s help. She accepted her parents’ advice. She listened to the police. She faced the trial as her rapist was judged. Today, she still faces much scrutiny. People on the street know her name, know what happened, know her shame. Despite it all, there is peace in Leslie’s heart. She is finally right with God. She trusted in God. She is close to her parents. She no longer lies to family and friends. God took Leslie from the deep waters of sin and guilt and shame, and rescued her from a life of lies.
When you find yourself overwhelmed, God is your best source for grace. God’s word is full of direction. God’s wisdom is life-saving. God knows your strengths and weaknesses. Christ Jesus died on a cross for you. Your faith is precious. God’s truth brings redemption. God’s love heals. God will be close when all other avenues fail you. Why? You are precious in God’s sight.
“For he [God] delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.” (Psalm 72:12–14, ESV)
A PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, life can be difficult. The road ahead can feel so daunting. Twists and turns in life can shake up everything. What seems wise in one moment can be exposed as a lie in the next. I am thankful that I can trust in You and Your Word.
Friends may betray me. Social media may distort reality. Truth is sometimes difficult to discern. Through it all, You Lord, are my guide. I have placed my soul in Your care. I have made promises to You. Help me to be true to You and Your Word. Let me not stray from faith and truth onto evil paths sprinkled with pretty little lies.
Forgive my foolish desires and deceptive insecurities. Help me to grow in wisdom and grace, understanding the meaning of true love and commitment. Let me not refrain from repenting when I am wrong. Hold me to Your truth. Keep my feet from straying away from holiness.
In Jesus Christ, I am thankful for every bit of Your grace for me and my world! Amen.