2 Samuel 22:1-4
David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. 2 Samuel 22:1-4 (NRSVUE)
The turning of the calendar to a new year can be symbolic or inspiring in different ways. It’s used by many people as a reset. For some, a physical reset, where a date on the calendar marks a beginning of positive changes and improvements to their physical body. Other people use it as a mental, emotional, financial, or relationship building reset. No matter where the individual challenge lies, the goal is the same; I need to improve. All of these areas are extremely important, but what about a spiritual reset?
I’m going to go out on a limb and say everyone reading this is imperfect in some way. In the last calendar year, you have gone through some sort of adversity, where even for a moment you may have felt lost, confused or challenged as to how best to respond. At some point, did you turn to God to ask for help? If not, why? In these verses from 2 Samuel, David is praising God for delivering him from the hand of Saul. David had gone through a period of time feeling alone and challenged in many different ways, but his belief in God helped save him.
I’m not proclaiming that turning to God in prayer right when you’re done reading this devotion is going to make your problems go away, because it’s not. It’s likely not going to solve an issue with body image, financial decision-making, a medical diagnosis, or fix a problem in an unhealthy relationship. What I do promise is, it’s a great start! Improvements take time, consistent positive choices and the humbleness to admit fault. Our God is an awesome God, a rock and my savior. He’s yours too, so let Him in. Open your heart to God, come to church regularly and hear His Good Word. He’s here for everyone. Amen
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you turn to God in times of trial?
- Do you count on God to be your rock?
Prayer:
Dear God,
As we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus, let His birth be a reminder of new beginnings. Guide us to be as humble as Mary and Joseph, accepting the help we need. For you are with us always.
Amen
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