The God Who Preserves

O love the Lord, all you His godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful [those with moral and spiritual integrity] And fully repays the [self-righteousness of the] arrogant. Psalm 31:23 AMP

Years ago, before refrigeration was common place, people had to devise methods to preserve their food. After the harvest, they had problems; there was more food than they could eat. So they wished that they could eat some now and some later. So they devised a variety of ways to preserve their food.

The Psalmist says that God preserves the faithful. The dictionary defines preserve as maintain (something) in its original or existing state. When man preserves things, they have to change it from its original state so they can use it again.  But God does not have those problems. When He said He would preserve, He preserves. That is comforting to know when danger lies ahead of you; it’s one thing to know your life will be spared but another thing to know that your life will be preserved.

David was able to face the dangers in his life head on knowing that God was with him. In verse 2 he said, “Incline Your ear to me, deliver me quickly; Be my rock of refuge, And a strong fortress to save me.” David needed God to rescue him from this affliction. He asked God to save him. In verse 9 he is honest and transparent before God; he said, “Be gracious and compassionate to me, O Lord, for I am in trouble;”  He understood what was before him.

But in the midst of his prayer, there was a shift; he stopped complaining about his troubles and talked about his confidence in God. He said, “But as for me, I trust [confidently] in You and Your greatness, O Lord; I said, “You are my God.” verse 14. The shift came because David stopped looking at how big his problems were and focused on how great his God is.  When he focused on the problem, he said, save me. In other words, don’t let them kill me. As he continued to pray to his mighty God, he said, “In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots and conspiracies of man;” verse 20.  So God was able to hide him. Now he realized that God can do more that save him; his God can preserve him. Whatever you are facing, God can not only save; He can preserve.

Thought for Today: Friend, focus on your God in your crisis.

Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.