He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.

Psalm 18:16

I love mnemonic devices, those “gimmicks” that help us remember things. In fourth grade, my class went on a field trip to a cave. I was fascinated by the stalactites and stalagmites but kept getting them mixed up. That is, until I came up with this: stalactites reach down to hold things tight, while stalagmites reach up with all their might. Kind of like God and us, don’t you think?

In Psalm 18, David recounts how God reached down to rescue him from his enemies. God, our Father, has done the same for us. He sent his Son, Jesus, down to earth to rescue us from sin and eternal death. Like David, we too can reach up with all our might, failing often and forgiven always.

Jane Wilke
Woodbury, MN

Merciful Father, keep me ever mindful that you reach down in love to me. Amen.

Reflect: Read Psalm 18 and consider how God has reached down to rescue you.

Read: Isaiah 46:3-4 and Romans 8:37-39