My Help Comes from …

What if the Lord had not been on our side? 
(Let Israel repeat this.)
What if the Lord had not been on our side when we were attacked?
When they were angry with us, they would have swallowed us alive.
They would have been like a flood drowning us; they would have poured over us like a river.
They would have swept us away like a mighty stream.

Praise the Lord, who did not let them chew us up.
We escaped like a bird from the hunter’s trap.
The trap broke, and we escaped.
Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.                 Psalm 124 (NCV)

Have you ever had a moment when you thought, “Except for God’s grace, I would be in that situation”? I have many times. During my college years when my relationship with God came to my mind only on school holidays when I went home and “played church” in front of my parents, my mother and grandmother were praying for me. I know they were praying not just because I know these women but I can also look back on that time and see how I was walking along the edge of a cliff with my feet slipping. I was peering over that edge but feeling “something” pulling me by the shirt, trying to keep me from going head first into the darkness. What if the LORD had not been on my side?

I was thinking about some friends last night who are missionaries in a country that is – not friendly – to Christianity. They are there because God asked them to come. They are there building relationships with people in the same way that Jesus did. They live their lives out in such a way that the Holy Spirit is able to open doors for them to share about Jesus because people want to know what makes them different from what they perceive Americans to be and from the members of their own community and faith base. It would be quite possible for someone, in their blind hate, to cause them problems, attack them, even kill them. It has happened to others there. They live in the assurance that God is with them because there is no other way to live!

There is so much to learn and meditate on as I read and re-read this passage. So many more of God’s promises come to my mind:

If God is for me – who can possibly be against me??? – Romans 8:31

The weakness of God is stronger than any of my strengths. – 1 Corinthians 1:25

In my weakness, even with tears and despair, my Jesus is strong for me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9

You will never perish; no one can snatch you out of my hand. The Father is greater than all and no one can snatch His child out of His hand. – John 10:28-29

God does work all – ALL – things out to the good, for those who love Him. – Romans 8:28

Before I even call out to God, He is answering. – Isaiah 65:24

Don’t worry about what you will eat or drink, whether you have the newest iPhone or Mac, how big your house or car, or whether you have all that you might want. By worrying can you add one hour to your life? God knows what you need. Look for His Kingdom, Jody, in all things and all that you need will be given to you. – Matthew 6:25-33

Not sure about how God is showing His strength and protection in your every day? Don’t just blindly say that God isn’t doing His job. Write down every question or request. Keep the list handy from now until the New Year and see how God speaks to you. Listen. Spend time with the One who is on your side.

My Redeemer Lives written and sung by Nicole C Mullen