“My heart rejoices in your salvation,” David proclaimed (Psalm 13:5).
When I hear that word, “salvation,” my first thought is salvation from the consequences of my sins. Jesus paid the debt I owed, considers me “not guilty,” and has graciously given me eternal life. That in itself is an overwhelming gift–more wonderful, more generous than any gift I could hope for.
Yet there is more.
God offers me salvation from a number of ills, such as:
Guilt. He not only forgives my sins, he doesn’t even remember them anymore (Isaiah 43:25).
Fear, because he is my stronghold in the time of trouble (Psalm 37:39).
Worry, having promised to supply my every need (Philippians 4:19).
Foolish decisions, by providing his wisdom when I ask for it (James 1:5).
Discouragement, as I put my hope and trust in him, because all things are possible with him (Matthew 19:26).
Loneliness, because he is always with me (Matthew 28:20).
Sadness because in his presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
Feeling useless, when I live each moment for the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:11-12).
Feeling helpless, because in his hands are strength and power (1 Chronicles 29:12). He helps and delivers (Psalm 37:40a).
No doubt a thorough study of scripture would uncover even more ways that God’s saving work is accomplished in my life and yours.
And why is he spending so much time and effort on our behalf, to save us from these malignancies of our souls? You know the answer: He loves us and has our best interests at heart.
That love is not just for the whole lot of us, as one big group. It’s for each one of us individually. We know this, but don’t always live in the confidence of this truth.
So look into his eyes and see the tenderness he feels for you–personally.
Listen to his saving, encouraging word for you and hear the passion in his voice.
Draw near and feel his loving arms pull you close to his heart (Isaiah 40:11).
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
From the Inside Out 