16th April 2025

Rescue Mission

  For in You, O Lord, I hope;

You will hear, O Lord my God.

 Psalm 38:15

Today's Bible Reading: Psalm 38:11–22.

Volunteers at a farm animal rescue organisation in Australia found a wandering sheep weighed down by about thirty-five kilos of filthy, matted wool. Rescuers suspected the sheep had been forgotten and lost in the bush for at least five years. Volunteers soothed the sheep through the uncomfortable process of shearing away her heavy fleece. Once freed from her burden, Sally (as she was named) ate a hearty meal. Her legs grew stronger. She became more confident and content as she spent time with her rescuers and the other animals at the sanctuary.

The psalmist David understood the pain of being weighed down with heavy burdens, feeling forgotten and lost, and desperate for a rescue mission. In Psalm 38, David cried out to God. He had experienced isolation, betrayal and helplessness (v 11-14). Still, he prayed with confidence: “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God” (v 15). David did not deny his predicament or minimise his inner turmoil and physical ailments (v 16-21). Instead, he trusted that God would be near to him and answer him at the right time and in the right way (v 21-22).

When we feel weighed down by physical, mental or emotional burdens, God remains committed to the rescue mission He planned from the day He created us. We can count on His presence when we cry out to Him: “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (v 22).

Prayer: Gracious God, help me to encourage others who feel weighed down, lost, or forgotten. In the Saviour's name, I pray. Amen.