"God of... My Salvation"

    Continuing in our “God of…” study, I would like you to consider our God described as “God of my salvation,” although this term sometimes includes “our,” “your,” and “his” in place of “my.” This description only appears in the Old Testament and while “my salvation,” in reference to God, first appears on the Bible pages in Exodus 15:2, the first appearance of this particular description, “God of my salvation,” does not show up until Psalm 18:46 (Note: ‘God of our salvation’ is found before this, in 1 Chronicles 16:35). “God of ___ salvation” is found 11 times in the Scriptures.

    Looking at each reference we find people either declaring the glory of the God of salvation (Psalm 18:46-49, 65:5), making known the hope one has in Him (Psalm 24:5, Habakkuk 3:18), or calling out to Him for rescue from both physical troubles (1 Chronicles 16:34-35, 88:1, 27:9, Micah 7:7) and spiritual (Psalm 25:4-5, 51:14).

    Salvation in all these verses simply means physical rescue from external evils, with the benefit of then being able to continue in our service toward Him. Read and think on 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4.

    We serve the God who rescues and saves! God created us that we may seek Him and find Him (Acts 17:26-17), He redeemed us with the blood of Jesus that we may be saved from our sins (John 3:16-21, I John 4:10), and so that we would joy in the God of our salvation, telling others of His greatness (1 Peter 2:9, Psalm 34:1-3)!

    Do not be like those to whom Isaiah spoke, who had forgotten the God of their salvation, who planted foreign seeds in their gardens (took worldly wisdom/ideas into their heart and put them into practice), whose efforts came to a “heap of ruins” (Isaiah 17:10-11). Do not turn from salvation to something so unworthy and ruinous, appreciate the salvation you have from God, both physical and spiritual! Appreciate it and praise Him for it! Call Him ‘the God of your salvation’ to remind yourself of your once forlorn state and of the blessed help you received – and continue to receive – from our Creator.    

    Do you trust in God as your salvation? Do you run to Him for help and comfort in your physical troubles (mental/emotional upset, health concerns) and in your spiritual needs, confessing your sins to Him (1 John 1:8-9)? Look to Him and lean on Him! Trust Him to rescue you (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Peter 2:9), He is the God of our salvation!

You can do it! So can I!!