I heard a story this morning of a man drowning and calling out for help. The lifeguard had trouble trying to save him, because the man was flailing about; fighting in his own inept power. We do that a lot, don’t we? “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.” (Ps. 33:16-17)

When the man finally stopped fighting and allowed the lifeguard to save him. His head was lifted up so he could breathe, and the lifeguard got him to the side of the pool. He stopped his own tactics and allowed himself to be delivered. “But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.” (Ps. 33:18-19)

When we fear Him and depend upon Him and not ourselves, the Lord can deliver us. “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.” (Ps. 33:20-21)

We cannot hope in what we can do, but only in the Lord. He provides what we need (not what we want) for His purposes. “I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. (Ps. 34:4) 

When we humble ourselves before the Lord, fear Him, call out to Him in faith KNOWING that only He can deliver us, He will. We have to let go of our own schemes and plans, and seek Him and His will, joyfully allowing Him to deliver us. “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” (Ps. 34:7)

I had that experience yesterday afternoon. My work life is changing–I don’t know what is around the corner. But the Lord gave me peace that I am leaving this job that is ending in peace and continuing my good relationships with my work “family”. What a peaceful way to leave–it’s truly a gift. And I KNOW the Lord has another gift for me in my next phase. His angels are encamped around me. “I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Ps. 34:1-3)