Psalms 34:22 | Promise Of Rescue

Psalms 34:22 NIV says, “The Lord will rescue his servants; no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.”

God has made bold promises about what he will do for those who take refuge in him. This is fitting because taking refuge in an unseen God always has and always will be risky. It is the chance that God might not come through on his promise and make himself out to be faithless and make us look foolish.

This is the journey my family is on. We are on the edge of faith like never before. I’m not saying that we are super-faith Christians. We are learning what it really means to take refuge in God.

I’m learning that faith hurts. That it might not really be faith until it hurts. I know that is not the message you want to hear, but I’m learning that this is how God strips us away from our self-reliance and brings us into his kingdom reality.

The point is not that God wants to drag us along a painful journey just because he can. The pain is mainly from the fear that we might be abandoned or get stuck. God brings us through this place of testing so that we can be a part of his story, which is far better than we can imagine.

I know I am entirely speaking from my journey this morning, but this is where God has me, and I am praying it speaks to someone else.

I’m learning that God can coordinate more in a single moment when I get out of the way than I can by putting all my energy into a lifetime of striving. He provides, leads, and guides us on the journey. Sailing on the still sea requires little trust because nothing threatens the safe passage no matter what direction you go. Navigating rocky waters in the middle of a midnight storm requires an expert captain.

The best things about the kingdom are through the rocky waters. In the adversity and the challenge, God does the most amazing miracles. God sent his son at the fullness of time at the peak of political and social turmoil to bring the gift of salvation.

If we trust God, he will lead us into the unknown. The unknown is where the lost and broken are, where discoveries are found, and where God desires to bring his light. We will never build the kingdom free-sailing on the open ocean.

So God gives us a promise. He will rescue us.

Listen, I know more than ever that this journey is scary, but I have to believe that God’s abiding presence is for more than enjoyment on the open sea. His abiding presence is more powerful than a warm feeling. It is the strength of faith, the conviction to be obedient, and the power to see God’s kingdom come.

So take refuge in him today.

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