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Introduction
Today let us delve into the depths of human frailty and divine intervention. In moments of profound despair and utter helplessness, our instinct is to cry out in search of a lifeline, a saving grace. Our message today, drawn from the cries of ancient psalmists and the struggles faced by our forebears, addresses this very human experience. It explores how, even in the slippery slopes of our trials and tribulations, we find firm ground in the Lord. Our scriptural compass is Psalm 94:18, where the heartfelt plea, "When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me," encapsulates our spiritual journey from faltering steps to divine steadiness. Let us embark on this journey together, discovering how our cries to God are not whispers into the void but calls to an ever-present Helper ready to catch us in our fall.
Background Revisited and Expanded
Our psalm opens with questions that each of us may have wrestled with during times of distress: "Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?" (Psalm 94:16). These are cries for justice and deliverance that resonate through the ages, reflecting our deepest yearnings for protection and vindication. The Psalmist, speaking from a place of vulnerability, shares a stark realization in Psalm 94:17, "Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death." Here, he acknowledges that without God's intervention, he would have been silenced forever, lost to the depths of despair. This is a chilling acknowledgment that without divine help, his spirit would have been silenced, leaving him akin to the "walking dead" — alive in body but devoid of spirit.
The Plight of the Oppressed
In echoing Ecclesiastes 4:1, we see a world where oppression reigns, where the tears of the helpless seem to go unnoticed. The Psalmist's era was marred by corrupt leaders and unjust judges who twisted laws to serve the powerful and suppress the poor (Psalm 94:20-21). His feeling of slipping was not just a fear of physical fall but a descent into the chaos of injustice and helplessness.
The Cry That Reaches Heaven
Amidst these trials, the Psalmist's response was not to craft elaborate prayers but to utter a raw, simple cry: "Lord, I am slipping!" This cry is both an acknowledgment of his inability to save himself and a profound expression of trust in the only One who can. It is a prayer that God honors, not because of its eloquence, but because of its honesty and urgency.
God’s Response - A Hand of Salvation
Scripture reveals that in response to such cries, God extends a hand of salvation. The Psalmist experiences a shift from near defeat to divine deliverance and victory; his anxious heart is calmed, and his unstable footing is secured. This transformation is beautifully captured as he moves from speaking of 'My God' to 'Our God,' reflecting a personal rescue that turns into a collective celebration of deliverance (Psalm 94:22,24).
Slipping and Restoration
Psalm 73 provides a poignant analogy of the righteous nearly slipping—almost losing their foothold—yet ultimately being restored by God. "But as for me, my feet had almost slipped... yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand" (Psalm 73:2, 23). This imagery of slipping and then being steadfastly held, illustrates the peril and promise in our walk with God.
Support and Strength in Unity
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks of the strength found in unity and companionship, but this is magnified when we consider the spiritual dimension. The Holy Spirit, Christ, and God the Father together form a divine cord that not only binds us together but also empowers us. They stand with us, fortify us, and ensure that when we are weak, then we are strong. Even when get in trouble and we have got other we get quick help. There is always strength in numbers. Don't keep your problem to yourself. Find someone than you trust and share with them. Two are better than one and a cord of three cannot be broken.
Conclusion: The Assurance of Ever-Present Help
Reflecting on Peter's experience in Matthew 14:22-33, we see a direct parallel to our own spiritual crises. Like Peter, we may be bold in our faith yet find ourselves faltering when the storms hit. His cry, "Lord, save me!" met with immediate and reassuring support from Jesus, highlights that our Savior is always ready to catch us.
Let us remember the powerful words of Romans 8:31-39, which assure us that nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is not just a comforting thought but a call to boldness, a reminder that in every moment of perceived slipping, we are held, supported, and loved by the Almighty.
In your moments of slipping, do not hesitate to cry out. For our Lord is not just a listener; He is a rescuer, a redeemer, and a restorer. Pray earnestly, trust deeply, and walk confidently, secure in the knowledge that you are never beyond the reach of God’s saving grace.
May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba