Living Out God’s Deliverance (Psalm 40:2-3)

By Jeff Arnette      Many today feel that Psalms 42 and 43 are meant to be read as one cohesive unit because they share themes of longing for God, trust in His deliverance, and confidence in His rewards for godly living. These words should reflect the praise within the hearts of every believer. It could be the song on the lips of all who know Jesus Christ. These words sound like the heart-felt testimony of someone who was lost in sin and through faith saved by the grace of God.     We all know what it feels like to live in the pit of sin and the desperation and despair of life’s many challenges. We know what it’s like to feel stuck and have no hope of moving through. We know because we were trapped in sin like it was quicksand. 2 Peter 2:19 - "They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." (ESV)     This passage reminds us of the reality of sin's bondage. Without Christ, we are enslaved by our desires and struggles, powerless to free ourselves. The only way out of the pit is through faith in Jesus. Revelation 1:5 - "and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood" (ESV)     He not only saves us but also sets us on the right path in life. He doesn’t rescue us for us to wander aimlessly through life but to walk with purpose and direction. Jesus is our Shepherd and He guides, protects, and leads us to abundant life (John 10:11, 14; 2 Thess. 3:5).     Church, we have an awesome promise. When we live for Christ, others will notice. Not only will they see what He has done for us, but they will see where to put their trust. It is often said, the best witness for Jesus is a simple life lived for Him. As such, our lives should reflect the grace and transformation that Christ brings. It’s important to share what God has done for us, both through our words and actions. Romans 5:15 - "But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many." (ESV)

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/