God our deliverer
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”…If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 (NIV)
Life can feel like a wilderness path, rough and winding, marked by both beauty and challenge. There are steep climbs, dark valleys, and unexpected storms. But along this road, we’re not alone – there is a companion with us, steady and faithful, promising to walk beside us every step of the way. As we enter this season of Easter Preparation, we walk with Jesus, who travelled his own journey of sacrifice and trust, fully relying on his Father’s presence.
In Epiphany, we celebrated the light of God revealed in Jesus, but as we move into this season, shadows fall over the path. We witness the struggles Jesus faced: hostilities from those who opposed him, his sorrow over a world filled with suffering, his disappointment in the misunderstandings of his followers. Yet, through it all, Jesus moved forward with courage and love, deeply trusting in God as his Deliverer.
As we enter this season, we reflect on what it truly means to call God our Deliverer. Do we think it means freedom from every hardship, or is it the promise that God will give us strength and companionship through them? Jesus’ journey shows us that God’s deliverance isn’t about removing life’s challenges; it’s about providing the courage and support to face them. This is the kind of deliverance that draws us closer to God, refining our faith and shaping who we are.
Psalm 91 reminds us of God’s promise to be our refuge and fortress, to walk with us through every trial. Just as Jesus found strength in his Father during his own journey, we too can lean on God’s unwavering presence, especially in times of struggle. This psalm invites us to trust that God is with us, guiding us and lifting us up, even when the way is hard.
May we rest in God, our Deliverer, who walks with us, sustaining and guiding us every step of the way.
Prayer
Loving Father, as we begin this season of Easter Preparation, let us embrace the journey of self-examination and draw near to you in prayer, seeking to know your heart. May we come to understand that your deliverance doesn’t remove us from life’s challenges but strengthens us through them. As we follow the path that Jesus walked, let us place our trust in you, our God, our Deliverer, who never leaves our side. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
This study is the amended transcript of an equipping video to empower and inspire Grace Communion International congregations around the world to live and share the gospel. It has been produced by the Home Office Team in Charlotte, NC, USA, and was first published in the 31 January 2025 edition of the Equipper publication.
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