Daily devotional, Nov 13, 2023 11.11 Deliveries
"Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress."
Psalm 107:6
In a couple of days, most consumers who availed of the recent 11.11 online shopping promo will soon receive their package deliveries. Some bought something that they have been wanting to buy, some have already started shopping for Christmas presents for their family and friends, and then some bought something new for the sake of availing the huge discounts.
Anticipating package deliveries is one thing that surely brings joy to anyone. It is like getting a gift you choose for yourself at a time that you least expect it. But there is a more important delivery that we need. Something that we have to pray for every day of our lives, and we are assured of it as long as we abide to our one true King — Jesus Christ.
As Christians, God promises to deliver us from the evil one — that is the attacks from the enemy that causes us to keep on sinning and falling back into waywardness. His deliverance is something we can truly count on. In 2 Samuel 22:2-3 King David praised the Lord and recounted the many times he delivered him from both his enemies and his own sinfulness:
"He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me."
(2 Samuel 22:2-3)
We are all familiar with this line in the Lord’s prayer: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” (Matthew 6:13) and we ask the Lord to carry us through the enemy’s scheme and our own sinfulness, by leading us to paths of righteousness. By redirecting our focus and attention to Jesus, our Good Shepherd could keep us from falling back into sin, addictions, idolatry, deep-seated anger plans of vengeance, as well as other strongholds of the enemy. As Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans said:
"But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."
Romans 6:17-18
God’s deliverance can also be counted on when we face troubles for doing what is God’s will. In Psalm 34:4 King David testified to the Lord’s faithfulness as he carried him through and eased his worries as he escaped King Saul and faced the Philistines: “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
As we approach the season of shopping, gifting, and anticipating, let us not forget the one true reason why we celebrate. We celebrate because a Redeemer came to wash away our sins, and to deliver us from every spiritual attack as we try our best to walk in the paths of righteousness towards our eternal life with Him — the one and only Christ Jesus!
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 34 and 1 Peter 5:8-9 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Can you think of the times that the Lord has delivered you from trouble? What have you done to thank Him?
Conversation with the Lord:Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for leading us to paths of righteousness, and for promising to deliver us from the enemy and all our troubles. Please keep me close to you as you keep me from falling back into sin. Amen.