2 Samuel 22:20: Why God Delivers You From Trials

"He rescued me, because he delighted in me." 2 Samuel 22:20b

Have you ever doubted that God would deliver you from a trial? Have you ever wondered if God was really on your side? Perhaps you think you haven't, but let me ask the question in a different way: have you every been anxious? Have you ever been fearful? If so, David has some comforting words for you.

After God delivered David from all of his enemies, David composed one of the best psalms of all time, recorded in both 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18. We went through the psalm a few days ago, but I would like to go back to look at a singular phrase that David wrote: "he rescued me, because he delighted in me."

What comes to your mind when you read the above phrase? Perhaps your mind is filled with disbelief. Perhaps awe. Perhaps wonder. Perhaps confusion. Either way, I want to convince you today that the very reason why God delivered David thousands of years ago is why he delivers us from trials, that is, because he delights in us.

Do you believe that God delights in you? Many times this is a tough idea to swallow: that the almight, sovereign, all-powerful God takes delight in that which he has created, even the very creature which rebelled against him. Yet, let me assure you, God does delight in those whom he created, that is, those who are truly his children. In short, this is the Gospel: that God delighted in men, so much that he was willing to send his Son to die a death on a cross and purchase for us eternal life (see John 3:16). Christian, God does delight in you. You are his child, and he sees you just as he sees Christ, his very own son. You have been adopted into the family; you are one with Christ, and delighted in by the Father.

So, what does that all mean for us today? Firstly, that every time we have been delivered it has been because of God, not our own strength. We cannot save ourselves, but God can surely save us. Furthermore, it is not merely the "common providence" of God that saves us, but rather his "covantental love" (Matthew Henry). God does not save his children out of a common grace, but out of his steadfast love for his very own. Secondly, we must realize that the trials we endure are for our own good. If God truly takes delight in us, the only reason why we endure trials must be because he has a bigger purpose for them than merely our own pain. God is using trials to form us into the image of Christ. Thirdly, we must take to heart that trials are not our end. The God who delivered David thousands of years ago will surely deliver us too, because he greatly delights in us. Are you tired of suffering? Are you tired of enduring trials? Let me encourage you, my brother and sister, that this is not your end, but merely the means by which you obtain the end, that is, a life with Christ free from sin and suffering. Amen!