I sought ADONAI [the LORD], and He answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.
They who looked to Him were radiant,
and their faces will never be ashamed.
Psalm 34:5-6 [4-5], TLV
Remember When GOD . . .? At sundown, those who celebrate the Biblical feasts will begin the fast for Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32). It seems fitting today to think back to that beautiful moment of our freedom. Freedom from fear, bitterness, unforgiveness, bondage to a person or situation, full force of grief. The moment when — spiritually — we felt the full warmth and light after a challenging or devastating season of darkness.
Remember? Do we remember when GOD set us free? Do we praise Him or were we simply so relieved it was over we merrily moved on?
Of David, when he feigned insanity before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he left. (vs. 1[0], TLV)
Our context in Psalm 34 is David’s remembrance of escaping Abimelech’s capture. Yes, David had to drool and feign madness, but who inspired him to do that? And why in the world would the foreign king believe it and/or let David go?
So, David dedicates this psalm, not to the specifics of the situation, but how he felt being set free. He recorded it so he wouldn’t forget that incredible, wondrous feeling of deliverance.
Taste and see how good ADONAI is.
Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. (vs. 9[8], TLV)
Let’s return to my earlier questions. Can we remember the incredible, wondrous feeling of deliverance? Yes? Have we recorded it in our Bibles or journals so that every time we read it we relive that moment and remember to praise our Heavenly Father again? If we haven’t done it yet, let’s do it now.
Can’t recollect a moment? We know there are many, but none come to mind? Then seek the Holy Spirit for one of those moments. Once we remember, dwell there, let our gratitude grow, then record our praise!
What I love about the psalms — well, most of the Bible — is that it marks moments for eternity. Intimate insights into individuals’ relationships with the Father we share. Our brothers and sisters who felt the full array of emotions that we do and let them land in worship and praise and hope. We, too, can have those eternity moments.
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, [Yeshua] Himself likewise shared the same humanity—so that through death He might break the power of the one who had the power of death (that is, the devil) and free those who by fear of death were in bondage all their lives. For surely [Jesus] is not concerned about angels, but about the seed of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be made like His brothers in all things, so He might become a merciful and faithful Kohen Gadol [High Priest] in matters relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when put to the test, He is able to help those being tested. Hebrews 2:14-18, TLV
During this fast, for those children of God who were redeemed by His Son, remembering when ADONAI did marvelous things in our life is especially meaningful. Our atonement was eternally sealed on that day thousands of years ago. And that is worth remembering.
G’mar chatima tova! May you be sealed in the Book of Life!