Psalm 18:16-24 He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me. I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity. Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.

Do you remember where you were when you first encountered God? Maybe not literally, but figuratively. For example, where you were mentally, or at what point in your life? I was sixteen and ready to end it all. I had accepted less than I deserved from so many because I didn't feel I was worth much. I had sought after something, anything that could make life worth living, and I had come up short. I felt as if I was drowning with no life preserver in sight! And right when I was ready to give up, God stepped in. He gave me a second chance! The Message says it beautifully: "I stood there saved - surprised to be loved!" This week, take time to remember where you were when you first encountered His love and continue to live in this new life with Him.

If you have not encountered God’s love, His wonderful salvation and His amazing grace yet, then don’t wait. God is just a prayer away. Call on the name of Jesus with all of your heart and seek Him diligently. Pray that He may reveal Himself to you Who He really is, the Almighty God and the only Savior to mankind. hr

Additional verses to study: Psalm 138; Romans 11:30-32; 1 Timothy 3,16; Acts 2,38