Psalm 124
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, 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. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
2024 has been a most difficult year for many people. If it is not the turbulent economy, then it is health challenges, family crisis, etc. How then have we come to the end of 2024 with our souls intact? The Psalmist, David, has the answer – it is because the LORD has been on our side. Psalm 124 is part of a series of Psalms otherwise known as Psalms/songs of ascents. These Psalms ranging from Psalm 120 to Psalm 134 were sang by the pilgrims when they came to worship at the temple for the three feasts ordained by God. As they made their way up the steps of the temple, they would sing these Psalms/songs. They sang of God’s faithfulness, His deliverance, His forgiveness, the call to unity, etc.
Psalm 124 specifically talks about the dangers that God delivered the Israelites from. Thus, David proclaims that had it not been the LORD who was on their side, then the story would have been completely different – the enemies of God’s people would have had their way. But on account of God being with them, the children of Israel escaped from all the dangers posed by their enemies. The same has been true for us in 2024. Because God has been on our side, although we have faced all manner of danger, we have not been destroyed. The enemy would have completely mauled us, but God. We would have been destroyed by our own sinfulness, but God. The world would have crushed us, but God. As we come to the end of the year, let us praise God who has faithfully been on our side, and as a result, we have escaped every danger that we faced – our souls are safe. Indeed, as the apostle Paul proclaimed, “If God is on our side, who can be against us?”
Reflections
1. What are some of the dangers that you are aware of that God delivered you from in 2024?
2. How can you take advantage of this Psalm/song and others to continually remind yourself of God’s faithfulness?
