Irvin Wasswa-Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
Psalm 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.
When I was in Junior High, I went to a waterpark in town built around a lake with some friends. While we were at the park we challenged each other to swim from one side of the lake at the park to the other. Now at that time I was a poor swimmer and knew it was a bad idea for me to try to swim all the way over, however my pride got in the way and I had to accept the challenge. So I began to swim with them. About halfway across the lake, I became very tired and knew that I was not going to be able to make it all the way across. I began sinking and screaming for help, but I couldn’t get any of the attention of the lifeguards who were on duty. Then all of a sudden both of my friends came back for me and helped me get to the other side of the lake safe and sound. I learned two different realities that day–Pride comes before the fall: I should not have let my pride get in the way and said no to the challenge instead of risking drowning. Secondly, I learned that without the help of my friends, I would not have been able to get to the other side of the lake and would have drowned.
Have you ever pondered on how the Lord has come through and helped you when life has been tough? The Psalmist in Psalm 124 highlights this reality in the life of the people of israel. He reflects on the history of God’s chosen people and how if God had not been on their side, they would have been defeated by their enemy nations. God had protected them time and time again from the attacks of foreign nations and the Psalmist declared how the Lord came through for them and was their help. Hey friend listen, he was glad that the Lord was on their side!
Aren’t you glad that the Lord who made heaven and earth is on your side today? Not only is he on your side today, but He is your help in times of trouble. As you reflect on your life, you can look back and see how the Lord’s hand has come to help when times have been bad. Those moments where it felt as though you were drowning, God was there to pull and hold you above the water. He was the One who covered you when the storms of life raged. He has always been faithful and the good news is that He still is faithful. Look, the Lord has not changed one bit! The One who saved you, changed you, and called you is the same yesterday, today and forever. He’s the One who when you have fallen, has got your back and will pick you up. He’s the One who calms your heart in the busyness of life. When life seems to be caving in, He is the One who has been there and still is there. He has been good hasn’t He?
Listen child of God: The Lord is on your side today. Remember that reality today. He loves you, and wants you to cry out “Help” to Him when trouble comes. So today, reflect on His goodness in your life. If you are in a spot where you are in trouble, choose to cry out to Him for help.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant faithfulness in my life both in the past and in the present. I worship you today! Remind me that I can run to you when I find myself in trouble today, knowing that you are there and eager to help. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
1 John 5:12-13
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.