I need a rescue plan!

30. September 2008 by BruceSmith.

Anyone that is watching the news, reading the paper, or listening to radio the last two weeks is keenly aware of the economic crisis we are facing in America.  Likewise, anyone with less than perfect credit who is seeking a loan for personal or business reasons is very aware of the credit crunch now in full bloom.  The recklessness of business leaders, political leaders, and yes, many on Main-street America, has led to an economic meltdown in our markets.  The future is uncertain at best, potentially fatal in a worst case scenario.

If you have ever found yourself in a moral, economic, relational, or any other kind of real life “fix” you know the desperation that can set in.  Panic mode is a tangible reality for less than perfect people who mess up their lives and for those who find life messy through no fault of their own.  In situations like the one our country is facing, and in personal life, we can find ourselves in desperate need of a “rescue plan”.  The question becomes then, “Where do we find such a plan?”

David, the king of Israel, was a man familiar with being at the end of his rope.  Though bright, crafty, strategic, powerful, and in command, this leader/conqueror often found himself with his back against the wall.  In those moments David recognized that the way out was in surrender.  That surrender was a surrender of his plans, emotions, tactics, goals, and fears to God.  When the enemies were closing in David realized that God and God alone would bail him out.

Psalm 27 speaks of such a rescue plan.  David, fearing the worst, and trapped in by circumstance and pressure, offers a thoughtful prayer of surrender and trust to the God who makes a way where one does not appear to exist.  He writes, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life–of whom shall I be afraid?”  Even with the enemies closing in, ever present and armed, David recognizes that his would-be captors cannot overrun him.

In this reality we must rest with David who goes on to say, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident”.  The character of God and His nearness to us is what assures our rescue.  Our own devices are not merit enough for calm.  Only the love of God for His people, and His action on our behalf, can bring us comfort amidst overwhelming sadness, fear, confusion, and doubt.

With David, we must all accept that, in reality, we have only one true need.  It is this need and this truth which is our rescue plan.  If all else falls apart we are still in safe hands.  David writes, “One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple”.  If all else falls apart and we have this assurance and placement in God’s love, we have it all.

If you find yourself  “in trouble” today, as David and many others have before,  take heart, cry out to God.  In Him you will find that your rescue plan is in place.  Remember the words of David’s prayer of assurance, “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock”.

That’s a real rescue plan, friends.

Bailing out on my agenda and trusting His,

Bruce Smith

optimuslife.org

**We are in great need of your funding for our activities today, and we are fully aware that many are under the crunch at this time.  If you have the ability, and you are at all helped by Optimus’ activities, please, send a financial gift at this time.  Grace and Peace.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »