Psalm 124
Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
124
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 people rose up against us,
3
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us;
4
then the flood would have swept us away,
the torrent would have gone over us;
5
then over us would have gone
the raging waters.
6
Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
7
We have escaped like 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.
In the greatest need, there is only one who can sustain us, namely the Lord. We may not recognize this at the moment of crisis. We may be so wrapped up in our problems that we can barely pray. But afterwards, upon reflection, we recognize that it was the Lord who was guiding, guarding, and protecting us. And we give Him glory. This psalm was a fitting hymn sung by God’s people as they went to the temple. It still fits for us today!
From the daily threats and dangers that we face, to the eternal salvation of our souls, God is faithful. Our Heavenly Father, who gave His Son Jesus on the cross, is still standing guard over our lives and guiding us into His eternal future. Therefore we are thankful, and say with the Psalmist “If it had not been the Lord…” as we give Him credit for our salvation and trust daily in Jesus our Savior.
Let us pray,
Help me Lord in the midst of all challenges to see your faithful love, gracious salvation and through faith in you persevere in all trials. I praise you for your mercy! In Jesus name, Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.