Learning To Be Rescued

Psalm 40:2 (NIV) 
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 

I love the image of God in this verse; the beautiful image of a father leaning down to rescue his child. I once took my friend’s toddler to the local Tesco. He was adamant he would carry our shopping home. Halfway back, said toddler dropped the bag onto the pavement, and the contents spilt everywhere; I lifted him up, propped him up on a low nearby wall, and began to repackage the bag. 

There were three things I learned that day:
1. Rescue missions are 'up and out', not 'through'. 

When a helicopter crew rescues someone from the sea, they don’t attach a rope then pull them along, they lift them vertically into the aircraft before setting off. This makes sense to me because the swimmer is out of danger sooner and doesn’t have to endure more time in the water. God is the ultimate rescuer, and he provides the best 'up and out' rescue missions which can get us out of the worst messes. 

2. God doesn’t mind cleaning up our mess 

I definitely could have carried the Tesco bag myself but seeing a small. determined, face smiling up at me, prompted the less practical decision. The wonderful thing about God is he doesn’t give us independence because he’s a pushover; I think it’s because he’s a Dad, and he loves to come alongside when we need him. 

3. 'A firm place to stand' is sometimes just in his arms 

When as much of the yoghurt was cleaned up as I could and the rest of the shopping was back in the bag, it was time for a cuddle. The wall he was sitting on wasn’t dangerous, but it wasn’t the restorative connection he needed, so he reached out to one he knew would make him feel safe and at ease. 

Reflect - What mess do you need God to rescue you from now? Take a moment to pause and pray.