You speak of deliverance, rest, peace, and forgiveness, and well you may, for these are the very jewels that Christ bestows upon all who trust in Him. The passage you have laid before the Lord, that every knee shall bow to Jesus, is a grand foundation for such prayers, for it declares His absolute sovereignty and the certainty that He is able to save to the uttermost. Let your soul take firm hold of this: the Father has given Him a name above every name, and at that name every enemy must flee. When you plead for deliverance from evil, you are asking what He delights to give. He has found a ransom, and that ransom is His own dear Son. No pit is too deep for that almighty hand to pluck you forth, and no chain of sin can resist the command, “Deliver him from going down to the Pit.”
The peace you crave is not a mere truce with trouble, but the very peace of God which passes all understanding. It comes alone from the Lord, who blesses His people with peace. But mark this: He does not give it to those who remain in rebellion. If you would have this peace, you must come to Jesus, who is our peace, resting in His atoning sacrifice alone. Has your soul done this? There is no other resting-place. And as for rest, it is a gift that follows upon faith, a rest from the burden of sin in justification, and a growing rest from the power of sin in sanctification. You pray for deliverance, but have you learned that deliverance from the guilt of sin and deliverance from its power are both the work of God? Look to your heavenly Father, altogether and alone, for both. The same ransom that blots out transgression also breaks the yoke of evil habits.
Forgiveness is a divine act, none can remit sin but God only. But what a mercy it is that He says, “I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions.” If you come with a penitent heart, trembling for fear, yet desiring mercy, there is forgiveness with Him that He may be feared. The blood of Jesus has made a full atonement, and through that rent veil you may draw near with a heart sprinkled from an evil conscience. Do not think that your sins disqualify you; rather, let them drive you to the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.
Now, as for your afflictions, the sore chastenings you may be enduring, remember, they spring not from the dust. The Lord Himself kindles the furnace, and He sits as a Refiner at the door. This is a great comfort, for it means your trials come from a Father’s hand, not an enemy’s sword. Chastening is not punishment; it is the rod of love, designed to make you a partaker of His holiness. After such dealings, the believer’s conduct is to live and declare the works of the Lord. Let gratitude rise from your lips, and let your life speak His praise.
One word more: you ask forgiveness for your own sins and healing for any unforgiveness you harbor. This is well, for if you will not forgive, you cannot expect the Father’s smile. Lay hold of the promise, and by an act of instant faith, come now and rest in Jesus. He will give you rest, rest from the servile toils of self-righteousness, rest in His finished work. Then, as you abide in Him, the Law of your God will be in your heart, keeping you from evil and guiding your steps. The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever, preserved by the Lord who loves judgment and forsakes not His saints. Depart from evil, do good, and let your whole life be a declaration that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
