Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; Do not let the floodwaters engulf me or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me (Psalm 69:14-16).
Almighty God, Loving Saviour, Strong Deliverer, You alone can rescue, You alone can save. You understand the battles we face—the seemingly endless struggle to "keep our head above water."
Guide our feet, O Lord, as we encounter one danger or hurdle after another—the mire, the floodwaters, the depths, the pit. We remember Your promise to Your people, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you..." (Isaiah 43:2). Thank You for Your presence with us.
Lord, we look to You to hold us up when the murky mire threatens to lock us firmly in its grasp, to close over our heads. Rescue [us]...do not let [us] sink (Psalm 69:14).
We look to You to hold us up when the storms swirl around us—the ever-increasing natural catastrophes, and the storms of life that threaten to sweep away our peace and our stability. Do not let the floodwaters engulf [us], or the depths swallow [us] up (vs. 15). Reach down Your hand from on high; deliver [us] and rescue [us] from the mighty waters... (Psalm 144:7)
We look to You to hold us up when the slimy pit (Psalm 40:2) rises up to ensnare us, when we plunge headlong into the darkest depths" (Psalm 88:6) and it "closes its mouth over [us]" (Psalm 69:15). Hear us in Your mercy when we are "bowed down in distress" (Psalm 57:6), when "out of the depths [we] cry to you... (Psalm 130:1)
Father, You know the struggles of all Your children—the turbulence in our lives, the currents that threaten to pull us under. You know the struggles of depression and addiction; the stresses and strain of work and finances; the weariness of disease, pain and suffering; and the demands and obligations of family and relationships.
You also know all our mistakes, our wrong turns, our self-defeating behaviors and habits: "You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from You. (Psalm 69:5). Forgive and cleanse us; answer [us]...out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to [us] (Psalm 69:16).
Hear the soul in distress that cries out to You, "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me. I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God" (Psalm 69: 1-3).
Thank You for the "time of Your favor," Your "great love", Your "sure salvation" (Psalm 69:13).
Thank You that You are able to lift us "out of the mud and the mire". Lord, only You can "set our feet on a rock and give [us] a firm place to stand" (Psalm 40:2).
You alone are able to meet us in our deepest need—to turn our cries of distress into songs of praise. So that we can "praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving" (Psalm 69:30). So that we can lift up our souls in praise, declaring, "I will exalt You, Lord, for You lifted me out of the depths... (Psalm 30:1)
Love Lifted Me
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more, But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain: Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling, In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing, Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs, Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.
Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves, He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves; He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey, He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
~ James Rowe ~ 1912
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