by Desiree Bustamante

Drowning in adversity? There’s a Savior for that!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

This photo was taken when I-29 had just opened, from Council Bluffs, Iowa to the Missouri state line, since severe flooding had engulfed the highway for miles. It was now safe to drive on, but the farmer’s fields were still flooded up to the road. The chances of planting any crops this year, and possibly next spring, were destroyed.

“Save me, O God,
    for the floodwaters are up to my neck.
Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;
    I can’t find a foothold.
I am in deep water,
    and the floods overwhelm me.
Rescue me from the mud;
    don’t let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
    and pull me from these deep waters.
Don’t let the floods overwhelm me,
    or the deep waters swallow me,
or the pit of death devour me.”
Psalm 69: 1-2,14-15 New Living Translation

This Psalm was written by King David who suffered with constant disapproval from men and attacks from his enemies. His plight is described as though he were engulfed in a flood, the waters swirling deep into his soul, drifting into treacherous waters where nothing but doom awaited.

Can you relate to David’s pleas? Maybe you’ve experienced disapproval because some think your faith in God is foolish. Maybe you are drowning in the deep mire of unbelief, personal sin, temptation or oppression. We may feel like things rush in on us, just like drowning in a flood. Other times we feel as if the water level is slowly rising until we are overwhelmed.

Each case brings fear and misery.

Amid his distress, David knew that God was his only source of rescue. Our hope Is also found in a Savior who was rejected during His time on earth. He can empathize with every disparaging word directed our way. He can calm discouraged hearts. He can overcome our sin with forgiveness. He rescues us from any flood that threatens to overtake us.

Christ restores joy because He overcame every evil we face in this world. Cry out to Him when the floodwaters rise. Let David’s prayer inspire you to turn to the only One who can save you from any flood.

“Answer my prayers, O Lord,
    for your unfailing love is wonderful.
Take care of me,
    for your mercy is so plentiful.”
Psalm 69:16 New Living Translation

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado