The Lord Is On Our Side

Psalm 124 NKJV

A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say— 2 “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, When men rose up against us, 3 Then they would have swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us; 4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul; 5 Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.” 6 Blessed be the Lord, Who has not given us as prey to their teeth. 7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 124 begins with the powerful proclamation, "If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive." These words from King David remind us of the crucial truth that God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.

The Acknowledgment of God's Protection

Psalm 124 is a recognition and celebration of the Lord's protection and deliverance. David calls upon the people of Israel to reflect upon the times when they faced insurmountable odds and remember that it was the Lord's intervention that saved them. This acknowledgment serves as a powerful reminder for us today to recognize the hand of God in our own lives. Consider the struggles and adversities you have faced. It could be a personal loss, a period of doubt, or a seemingly insurmountable challenge. In those moments, it is easy to feel abandoned and overwhelmed. Yet, Psalm 124 encourages us to look back and see how God has been faithful, how He has been our refuge and strength.

God's Deliverance from Destruction

Verses 3 to 5 paint a vivid picture of the perils the Israelites faced: "Then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters." These metaphors of being swallowed alive and swept away by a raging flood illustrate the destructive power of their enemy's wrath and the dire situation from which God delivered them.

In our own lives, we may encounter moments that feel like a raging flood, threatening to engulf us. It might be a crisis at work, a broken relationship, or a health scare. Psalm 124 reassures us that God is capable of delivering us from any calamity, no matter how overwhelming it may seem.

The Trap is Broken

In verse 7, David proclaims, "We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!" This verse not only speaks of deliverance but also of freedom. The imagery of a bird escaping from a broken snare symbolizes liberation from captivity and bondage. This liberation extends beyond physical deliverance; it encompasses spiritual freedom as well. Through Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin and death. We are no longer ensnared by the traps of the enemy, for the power of the Cross has broken every chain.

Recognizing Our Help

Psalm 124 concludes with the affirmation in verse 8: "Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth." This powerful declaration reminds us of the source of our strength and protection. The Creator of the universe, the One who fashioned the heavens and the earth, is our ultimate helper. In acknowledging this truth, we are called to place our trust and confidence in God alone. It is not by our own strength or wisdom that we overcome, but by relying on the Lord who is mighty to save.

Application for Today

As we reflect on Psalm 124, let us draw parallels to our own lives. Let us remember the times when God has delivered us from our own "raging waters" and broken the snares that sought to entrap us. In moments of trial, may we find solace in the knowledge that the Lord is on our side.

Living with Gratitude

One of the key takeaways from Psalm 124 is the attitude of gratitude. Recognizing God's protection and deliverance should lead us to a heart of thankfulness. Gratitude changes our perspective and fosters a deeper relationship with God. Let us make it a practice to regularly reflect on God's goodness and express our thanks. This can be through prayer, worship, or sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness with others.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty

Finally, Psalm 124 calls us to trust in God's sovereignty. Life is filled with uncertainties, but we can find peace in knowing that God is in control. He sees the bigger picture and knows what is best for us. When we surrender our fears and anxieties to God, we open ourselves to His guidance and provision. Trusting in His sovereignty allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.

Conclusion

Psalm 124 is a powerful reminder of the Lord's unwavering presence and protection in our lives. It calls us to acknowledge His deliverance, live in gratitude, and trust in His sovereign plan. As we meditate on this psalm, may we be encouraged to place our faith in the One who is always on our side, the Lord our God.