II Samuel 22:5
"For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of perdition assailed me..."
Samuel
was once a single history of the first two kings of Israel, Saul and
David. It was named after the prophet who plays a prominent role
early in the work and was God's instrument in establishing the
monarchy. This reading comes from a time late in David's reign, the
words from a psalm-like passage (see Psalm 18] in which David
remembers a time when his enemies, including Saul, surrounded him.
Note
the flood-like feeling that David recalls, waves and torrents. And
this is not water swirling around the King's body. These are the
waves of death and perdition lapping all around him. It seems that
all is lost and yet somehow by their trust in God, God rescues the
King and the people of Israel. David voices this salvation in these
words:
"He
reached from on high, he took me, He drew me out of mighty waters. He
delivered me from my strong enemies." Verses 17-18
Perhaps
we can remember a time like that in our lives; perhaps we are living
through such a season right now. Our journey presents an opportunity
to reflect on such times and the ways we came through the deep
waters, what ever they were. Recalling those times can help increase
our faith and trust in God who never forgets us, never abandons us.
Take that trust with you for the journey.
Prayer: Loving God, as
we remember times when the waves lapped around us, help us deepen our
faith and trust. Then when we celebrate victory with your son, that
joy may fill us to new depths. Amen
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