"So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them. (Exodus 2:24-25)

As Israel grew and multiplied in Egypt, another Pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph.  This new ruler in Egypt subjected the Israelites to forced labor, and threatened to kill Israel’s baby boys.  This oppression would last for more than eighty years (Acts 7:17-36) before Moses would arrive to deliver them.

During this time Ramses II died and another Pharaoh took the throne.  On their ascension, such kings would often reverse the policy of the previous ruler.  But this new monarch disappointed the hopes of the Israelites.  Thus, they cried still more for freedom.

Israel’s sighs and groans during this long period were recorded and treasured in God’s ledger.  He must wean them of their attachment to Egypt and discipline them for the hardships of the desert.  Just at the time appointed, he sent Moses to rescue them.

This enslavement in Egypt mirrors the pitiful condition of the human race.  For thousands of years mankind has grouped in darkness looking for a purpose and hope. (Romans 8:22,23)  There is in every human a yearning for something better than this earthly existence.   At just the right time God sent his Son into the world to deliver man from the pollution of the World.  (II Peter 2:20)  

God hears the cries of the contrite.  We must never grow weary or listless, for if we seek him with an honest heart, he will release us from the bondage of sin, and lead us to the Promised Land.   

By George Slover
 

"The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.   (Habakkuk 3:19)

The prayer recorded here is one of the Bible’s most encouraging passages.  God has promised Habakkuk that he will judge Judah with the Chaldeans.  That God would allow such an idolatrous nation to conquer Judah greatly perplexes the Habakkuk.  (Habakkuk 1:12,13) However, at the conclusion the prophet’s faith triumphs over circumstances, and he submissively rejoices (Habakkuk 3:17,18) solely in the Lord.  Habakkuk thus anticipates three treasures from God.

The Lord is my Strength.  This Divine strength is indispensable in aiding one in every phase of his life.  (Ephesians 3:20)  God provides the armor to withstand the temptation to sin.  God’s word calms the soul and strengthens in times of adversity.  He encourages us to be bold in sharing our faith, and zealous in our service to others.

He will make my feet like deer's feet.  The imagery here is of one who is as sure footed as a deer traversing a forest or mountainside.  The one who rejoices in God will be assisted in avoiding or escaping those things that endanger his soul.  God will guide him to the path of safety.

He will make me walk on my high hills.  This represents a position of conquering and victory.  In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, we are told that those who are redeemed by Jesus are made to “sit in the heavenly places”. (Ephesians 2:6)  This lofty position is offered on the basis of God’s grace.  Thus, the redeemed ones are given an exalted posture of safety, a high moral ethic to follow, and a promise of higher things in glory.

Fellowship with God provides a place far above the despairs and doubts of the world.  “Faith is the victory, Faith is the victory.  Oh, glorious victory that overcomes the world.”  John H. Yates 

By George Slover