Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Psalm 124:1-2 (NLT)
What if the LORD had not been on our side?
Let all Israel repeat:
2 What if the LORD had not been on our side
when people attacked us?
“What if…?” These 2 little words can stop us in our tracks. Have you been there? They often point us to fear, failure, and worst-case scenarios. However, change the semantics a bit and this phrase can become a powerful reminder that God is by our side. Psalm 124 is a faith strengthening praise for every heart today.
As part of the Psalms of Ascent, David prepares our heart for worship by reminding us to think about what the Lord has done. Our entire perspective changes when we remember God is, was, and will be with us. Twice David writes, “what if the Lord had not been on our side?” In reference to battle, he reminded the Israelites that they would have been swallowed up alive, completely engulfed, and overwhelmed (Psalm 124:3-5).
But God.
David continues,
Praise the Lord,
who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:6-8)
The battle was intense, but they didn’t fight alone. Over and over in scripture we are reminded that our battles belong to the Lord. We have power our enemies don’t have. “With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” (2 Chronicles 32:8 NIV)
What can we do with our what ifs? Pray & surrender the battle to the Lord. As David reminds us, our help is from the LORD, so let Him do the fighting. “What if” we started turning our doubts into praise? “What if” we stopped settling for defeat and captivity?
Cry out to Jesus today and let the King of Kings lead you into His freedom and victory. We sometimes forget that we are talking and walking with the Maker of heaven and earth. We are living out this day and every day WITH the Almighty God. Are you experiencing any doubt, uncertainty, or fear in your heart today? Pause and pray every single time those thoughts attack. Some days that might even be minute by minute!
God shakes the ground, breaks the chains, and sets us free! (Acts 16:26) David reminded the Israelites that God was the One who freed them from their enemy, and he reminds us of our victory today. Turn your doubt into praise today!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, you are my shield and my help. You are my freedom and my victory. I pause today to remember who you are and all that you have done. You are Almighty, Provider God. I entrust all my what ifs to you Lord and praise you instead. In Jesus Name, Amen.
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 42:5- Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him my salvation.