stephen R Harrison

David knew what it was like to face criticism like those who sang Psalm 123. However, when he wrote Psalm 124, he was experiencing physical attack (v. 2) combined with anger (v. 3). It’s one thing for someone to have contempt for you and even ridicule you. It’s quite another for them to physically harm you. Unchecked, anger in one’s heart will lead to verbal and even physical attacks. David had experienced several personal attacks in life including attempts on his life by his father-in-law King Saul. David had also endured attacks from enemies like the Philistines. Whether it’s one person or a whole army after you, David made a wise statement: “If the Lord had not been on our side” (v. 1). Not only did he realize this personally, he wanted all of Israel to remember and declare God as their provider and protector through the attacks on their nation. He said, “Let Israel say: If the Lord had not been on our side” (v. 2). What confidence and power it brings to a whole nation when more than one or a few people testify of God’s goodness!

God’s mercy prevented them from being “swallowed alive” (v. 3). Without God’s help, David and Israel knew their enemies would have easily “engulfed” them like a “torrent” of “raging waters” that would have “swept them away” (vv. 3-4). It’s amazing that sometimes we think we are the cause of our victories. We must give credit where credit is due: unto God alone! Where would we be without the Lord? What would our lives be like without His divine intervention? When God saves, delivers, heals, restores, protects, or provides, we must fully acknowledge and testify that He alone did it! Without Him, we’d be ruined!

God’s goodness brought David to praise. He realized the extent to which God had saved him and his people. As much as people can people can oppose and attack us, there is an enemy that is prowling, seeking to devour and destroy us. Satan and his demons are after our souls, marriages, families, and testimonies. They wish to rip believers to shreds. Thanks be to God He will “not let us be torn by their teeth” (v. 6). We are in a spiritual battle and must realize the “fowler’s snare” (v. 7). When we are tempted, God gives us a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). When we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, he must flee (James 4:7). Jesus defeated Satan on the cross and broke the fowlers snare to allow our escape. David knew his help was from the Lord Who made the heaven and the earth (v. eight). When the vilest attacks come, we must also must say, “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57)!

Questions:

1. Do you thank God often for His divine protection and provision?
2. Why are we so quick to take credit for anything good that happens in our lives?
3. What recently happened to you that you now realize would have been devastating if God had not been on your side?

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being by our side through it all. I realize I would not be where I am today without You. I know I must be on Your side. In Your presence and will there is divine protection and provision. May I never falsely assume I can do anything in this life without You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.