January 21st

Psalm of Deliverance

¹⁰Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons--
¹¹Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High,
¹²Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; They fell down, and there was none to help. ¹³Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.  ¹⁴He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces.  ¹⁵Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!  ¹⁶For He has broken the gates of bronze, And cut the bars of iron in two. ¹⁷Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.  ¹⁸Their soul abhorred all manner of food, And they drew near to the gates of death.  ¹⁹Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, And He saved them out of their distresses.  ²⁰He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.  ²¹Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men!  ²²Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, And declare His works with rejoicing.  

I discovered Psalm 107, while studying passages on deliverance.  God had compassion on the Israelites who were habitually rebellious and stubborn.  Again and again, he invited them to return to him and walk in his ways.  God's faithfulness to the Israelites can be a great encouragement to us in whatever struggle we may be facing in life.   God will stay with us and will not give up on us.  

I underlined some portions in the passage from Psalm 107 that seemed particularly appropriate for the walk to freedom from sexual addictions.  Notice that the people repeatedly got into trouble due to their rebellion against God and His counsel.  They brought the affliction on themselves due to their own sin, but when they cried out to God for help, He saved them many times.  The psalmist emphasized that thanking God for his goodness, deliverance and wonderful works is the appropriate response.   

No matter what our situation is, we can call to God for help.  No matter how deep in sin we are, God still loves us and wants us to return to him.  Restoration and healing are waiting for those who call upon God.  When you call on God and receive His help, remember to thank Him and declare His works.  Rejoice in the help that he gives you.   

Questions for further thought:

• Has the devil tried to convince you that God will no longer forgive you for your sins?
• Some people blame God for the consequences of their sin.  Who is responsible for the trouble that our sin causes us?
• Where can we find God’s word that brings healing and deliverance?
• Have you incorporated a time of giving thanks to God each day for what he has done and will do in your life?

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us your word that heals and delivers us. Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins so that I may receive forgiveness, healing and deliverance from the sinful attitudes that hold me.  I confess that I have sinned against you and rebelled against your commands.  Please forgive me and cleanse me by the blood of Jesus.  Please create in me a clean heart that will follow you and walk in purity.  Thank you, Father!  I commit myself to responding to the Holy Spirit in obedience from now on.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”