Promises

"But as for me, my prayer is to you O LORD, at an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.  Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me.  Answer me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy turn to me." Ps 69:13-16

In this prayer, David is asking for deliverance and assurance.  The part that stood out to me was v. 15--"Let not the flood sweep over me," which reminded me of Isaiah 43:2, which says, "When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.  When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."  God does not promise to take away our trials, nor should we ask for that.  He promises that He will be with us amidst our trials and will protect us from what we cannot bear.  Why? "Because your are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you." (Is 43:4b) God promises this to "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." (Is 43:7) How precious and sweet are the promises of God!