Deliverer

Psalms 18:2 NIV The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

These days, when someone mentions a deliverer we expect to look out the front door for the Amazon package or DoorDash to show up with dinner. But over two hundred times in scripture, God is referred to as our deliverer. The question is, do you realize your need for a deliverer?

Most of us see the need for a deliverer only when we are thrust into a situation where there appears to be no way out. The Israelites needed a deliverer when cornered by the Red Sea with the Egyptian chariots closing in on them (Exodus 14:14). Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego certainly knew the power and promise of God as our Deliverer when King Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:17). Or Daniel, who was thrown into the lions’ den for praying (Daniel 6:22). But most of us are not worried about being cast into a blazing furnace or a den of lions.

Then there are those situations of our own doing that leave us in need of a deliverer. Jonah was running from God, refusing his call to warn the people of Nineveh, swallowed by a great fish, and left praying for a deliverer (Jonah 2:1). David’s choice of adultery and murder left him crying out for a deliverer (2 Samuel 12). Lot’s choice of living in the valley of Sodom and Gomorrah left him in need of a deliverer when God chose to destroy the cities due to their wickedness (Genesis 19:16).

God as our Deliverer is a central theme throughout scripture, reflecting His power, faithfulness, and love for His people. It emphasizes His plan to rescue, save, and provide for all those who trust in Him. But the term "deliverer" is so much more than God's intervention in times of trouble; it is His salvation through Jesus Christ, setting us free from the bondage of sin. The Greek word for Savior (sōtēr) literally means deliverer. If Satan can limit our view of God as our deliverer, then we will be no different than the unbelieving Pharisees and Jews. In John 8:31-36, Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But the Pharisees responded, “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, You will be set free?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. But if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.” Jesus came to set us free, to deliver us from the bonds of sin and death (Romans 8:2).

Jesus came to earth on a rescue mission. His personal mission statement was to “heal the brokenhearted, bring release to those held captive, and set free those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:19). He came as your deliverer, and yet so often, we deny our need for his deliverance. We need a deliverer to set us free from the bondage of personal and generational sin, escaping the corruption of this world. Call on Him as your deliverer. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” Galatians 5:1.

When you understand that God is your deliverer, your life will no longer be controlled by situations and circumstances. You will never again be a victim but a victor, a fully surrendered child of God who knows “there are more for me than against me” (2 Kings 6:16). Don’t just put your head down and muscle through whatever circumstances are before you. Instead, call on your Great Deliverer, place your hand in his, and allow him to guide you, equip you, and empower you for whatever stands in your way. God loves to take the very circumstance that seemed insurmountable and use it to reveal to you the reality of his power and love. “You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalms 32:7 NAS.

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Gary and Sandy Anthony

Psalms 31:1 NIV In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

Psalms 37:39-40 NIV The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Psalm 40:17 NIV You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God.

Psalms 71:1-4 NIV In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

Psalms 91:14-16 NIV Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.

Psalms 144:2 NIV He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.

Psalms 70:5 NIV But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

Psalms 37:40 NIV The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

Deuteronomy 20:4 NAS For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save and deliver you.

Isaiah 25:9 NIV Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he delivered us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.

Isaiah 59:1 NLT Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.

Jeremiah 17:14 NIV Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

2 Timothy 4:17-18 NIV But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:10 ESV He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.