Psalm 35

“Plead my cause, O Lord, with those who strive with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. Also draw out the spear, and stop those who pursue me. Say to my soul, ‘I am your salvation.’” Psalm 35:1-3 (NKJV)

I have been in several troublesome situations during my lifetime. The kind of trouble that I could not fathom a way out. So, I can identify with David’s words. I know how it feels to have exhausted all imagined escape routes, knowing salvation must come from the Lord if it is to come at all. Perhaps that is why Jesus’ Name in Hebrew, “Yeshua,” literally means “Salvation.”  More precisely, “Salvation of God.”  In verses 5 and 6, David cries out to Messiah (The Angel of the Lord) to personally save him. The same Messiah to whom we cry out for salvation.  (Micah 5:2; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

“Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’” Matthew 1:19-21 (NKJV)

For a moment, let’s lay aside the idea of our need for eternal salvation. Instead, let’s focus on various situational needs for salvation we may encounter, such as health issues, financial crises, and relational or criminal aggression. Whenever we encounter a situation we are certain that only the Lord can rescue us from, we typically ask the Lord, “How long?” or plead, “Please do not let this situation go any further!”  

“This You have seen, O Lord; do not keep silence. O Lord, do not be far from me. Stir up Yourself, and awake to my vindication, to my cause, my God and my Lord. Vindicate me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. Let them not say in their hearts, ‘Ah, so we would have it!’ Let them not say, ‘We have swallowed him up.’ Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who rejoice at my hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who exalt themselves against me.” Psalm 35:22-26 (NKJV)

Remember, the Lord allowed Pharaoh to pursue Israel so closely that Egypt literally overtook the Israelites at the Red Sea. He allowed this so the Egyptians would know the Lord is God, and the faith of the Israelites would be strengthened.

“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.” Exodus 14:8-9 (NKJV)

Regardless of how close the enemy gets, remember that God can save you at any distance!