How does trusting God in Psalm 69:14 strengthen our faith during hardships? Setting the Scene • Psalm 69 is David’s honest cry when enemies surround him and his own strength is giving out. • In verse 14 he doesn’t scheme or despair; he looks straight to God for rescue, certain the Lord hears and answers. The Heart Cry of Verse 14 “Rescue me from the mire; do not let me sink. Deliver me from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.” • “Mire” – the sticky, immobilizing mud of trouble. • “Do not let me sink” – the fear of being overwhelmed. • “Deliver me…out of the deep waters” – a plea to be lifted above what is humanly impossible. Trust is woven into every phrase: only God can do what David asks. What Trust Looks Like Here • Direct address: David speaks to God, not about God. • Specific requests: he names the mire, the enemies, the deep waters. • Expectant verbs: “Rescue…deliver” assume God is willing and able. • Refusal to give in: instead of drowning in self-pity, he clings to God. How Trusting God in Psalm 69:14 Strengthens Us During Hardships • It lifts our eyes above circumstances – We see the Deliverer, not just the danger (Psalm 121:1-2). • It reminds us who holds us – “He reached down from on high and took hold of me” (Psalm 18:16). • It reaffirms God’s past faithfulness – “He drew me up from the pit of destruction” (Psalm 40:2). • It converts panic into prayer – Casting every care on Him (1 Peter 5:7) grows intimacy instead of anxiety. • It fuels endurance with hope – “We rejoice in our sufferings…because God’s love has been poured into our hearts” (Romans 5:3-5). • It deepens assurance of God’s character – Trusting His promise “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you” (Isaiah 43:2) engraves His presence on our hearts. Faith-Building Results We Experience • Peace in the storm • Courage to keep obeying when nothing changes overnight • Testimony that encourages others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) • Maturity produced by trials met with confidence in God (James 1:2-4) • Renewed worship as we watch God turn cries for help into songs of praise (Psalm 40:3) Steps for Us Today 1. Acknowledge the “mire” you’re facing—name it before God. 2. Pray Psalm 69:14 aloud, personalizing each line. 3. Recall specific times God has already lifted you from deep waters. 4. Anchor your mind in related promises (write out Psalm 18:16; Isaiah 43:2). 5. Choose to wait expectantly, knowing “He will yet deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). 6. Share your story of God’s rescue to strengthen someone else’s faith. Trusting God exactly as David does in Psalm 69:14 doesn’t ignore hardship; it plants both feet on the unshakable ground of God’s character, and that certainty is what grows steadfast faith in the fiercest storms. |
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