Psalm 124: 1-8
The theme of this Psalm is a reminder to God’s people of just how desperate their situation would be, “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side…” This same expression is used in verses 1 and 2 and then applied to the practical circumstances which would have resulted if the Lord had not been on our side as well as a reminder of the wonderful blessings we receive because the Lord is on our side.
During Israel’s history, the people went through many experiences in which they realized that, humanly speaking, they didn’t have a chance! Believers today are often in similar situations where the enemy would “swallow us up quick” (v.3). The waters of tribulation and the streams of sorrow would overwhelm us (vv.4-5) except for the wonderful deliverance every believer may experience at the hand of the Lord.
It is very important for us to remember that “our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” (v.8) In times of special testing and trouble, all sorts of solutions are suggested by family, friends, relatives and even Christians leaders. Unfortunately, much of the advice being given to believers today is based on humanistic psychology rather than that “wisdom which is from above.”
It is sad when believers turn to the Lord for help only as a last resort when He should be the first one we turn to in any time of need. Those who trust in “chariots and horses” may find temporary relief but tragedy lies at the end of that road.
By contrast, believers who turned to the Lord in time of need find that He breaks the snares and provides a full escape from the enemy (v.7). And turning to the Lord for help not only guarantees deliverance, but fills our hearts and lips with praise and glory to our God.
Think for a moment where we would be today “if it had not been the Lord who was on our side…” Then think for a moment where we are today because it is the Lord who is on our side – forgiven for the penalty of sin; receiving victory over the power of sin; and, given assurance that one day we shall be delivered from the presence of sin.
It is wonderful to be reminded as we are often in God’s Word that His help is always available and always sufficient. Even when it seems as though the enemy is ready to swallow us up, we can and should thank God that we have been promised the victory in Christ by the God who cannot lie.
