God can be trusted to save us

by Janette Lange

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… for today the Lord has brought deliverance to Israel (1 Samuel 11:13b).

Read 1 Samuel 11:1–15

Have you ever felt backed into a corner with no way out? Have you ever been unsure about how you would escape a situation? That’s the feeling the Israelites had when Nahash the Ammonite threatened to attack them. He was cunning. Gouging out one eye would mean the Israelites wouldn’t be able to use a bow and arrow to defend themselves; however, they would still have enough sight to make perfectly good slave labour.

The people felt helpless and started to weep. When Saul came in from the fields, he asked why they were crying. Even though the Israelites had a covenant with God, they didn’t feel like he was enough to defend them. They doubted his ability to save them. They wanted a human king, like their neighbours had, who could protect and lead them. They saw in Saul their solution and made him their king. Under Saul’s leadership, they were victorious in the battle. But Saul was really just the vehicle – the victory ultimately came from the Lord.

We can feel the same way when things are out of our control, or we feel under attack. Perhaps we are experiencing grief or strained relationships. Maybe we have been unfairly treated. Perhaps we are stressed or under great pressure, or illness or mental health issues are making our lives challenging.

Here, God reminds us that we are not alone. We don’t need to deal with this by ourselves. He is ultimately in control, and he can be trusted. No situation is greater than our God, our King of Kings. He is the one who saves us – from ourselves, from the world, from all evil. When we are under attack, when times are tough, let’s remember that our loving God is our protector and our Saviour, and we will be victorious in him.

Mighty Deliverer, thank you for rescuing me from death, from sin and from myself. Help me to always trust in you and not be afraid. Remind me that I am never alone because you are always with me. No matter what battles I must face, you will keep me safe in you. Amen.

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