Today’s Reading:
Psalm 124
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us. Then the waters had overwhelmed us; the stream had gone over our soul. Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:1-8 AKJV)
Psalm 124 is a Davidic psalm which recalls God’s past deliverance. It could be Exodus experience (v. 5) - God’s protection (vv. 1-5) and God’s Provision (vv.6-8); or after Israel’s defeat of the Philistine (2Sam 5:17-25). It gave a description of what would have happened to Israel if the Lord was not present with them. It was God who preserved Israel from extinction (vv. 1-2). The same God will preserve Christian nations of the world from extinction, in Jesus name. When men attacked us (v. 2) – this could cover the history of ancient Israel from Abraham to David. The flood … torrent … ranging waters (vv. 4-5 NLT). These could be their experiences when crossing the Red Sea (Ex. 14) or the Jordan River (Jos 3). Nigeria and many other African nations are familiar with the devastating power of floods, which can sweep away everything in their path. The attack of Israel’s enemies could have been overwhelming, destructive and overpowering on them and wiped them out (Jer. 46:8). But the Lord is in control of the waters. He had used them to deliver Israel in the past, when He annihilated Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea. The very forces that could have destroyed them are under the Lord’s control.
The Psalmist now switched to wild animals like lions or bears who usually tear their prey with their teeth (Prov. 28:15), but their mouths were shut as in the case of Daniel (Dan 6:22). God is always on the side of those who seek Him as individuals or nations. Have you ever experience being trapped in an overwhelming bad situation? God is the Creator of all things that exist (Ps. 24). He will always provide a way out of overwhelming situation, when we call on Him for help (Ps. 56:9). What God cannot do does not exist. There is no problem beyond His ability to solve; no situation is too difficult for Him. In our challenging moment, when we cry to God for help, He will definitely help us because He is on our side. He has created us, and we are the sheep of His pasture. We only need to trustingly look upon Him. Our deliverance would just be like a bird escaping from the fowler’s snare or trap.
We are weak and have no strength to resist the power of a flood, the ferocity of a wild animal, or the cunning of man, But the Lord is stronger than any of these. I ask you, any time you are faced with challenging situation, who do you turn to? Do you turn to man whose arm of flesh would fail you? Or to idol in which there is no breadth and is being carried from place to place? Or to gods that did not make the heavens and the earth, who will perish from the earth and from under the heavens? (Jer. 10:11-12). The psalmist recognises that regardless of the difficulties and opposition we may face, our help is in the name of the Lord (Ps. 121:1-2). God is not an insignificant idol; He is the Maker of heaven and the earth (v. 8). He is our help in ages past; our hope and source of confidence for years to come.
Look unto Jesus and be saved (Heb. 12:2). There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Jesus Christ has been highly exalted and given a name which is above every name (Phil. 2:9-11). And so, let all hail the power of Jesus name.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear
The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runs into it and are safe.
All hail the power of Jesus name, let angels prostrate fall
Father, thank you for your presence in time of trouble, in Jesus name.
Thank you because when I call on Your name You answer, in Jesus name.
Father, in all vicissitudes of life, encourage and empower me to wholeheartedly trust in You, in Jesus name.
Father, we commit our children, youths and young adults into Your fatherly care, teach them, let them love You and Your ways, keep them from the deception of the enemy, in Jesus name.
Lord fill the body of Christ with Your love, that they may be one, and be bold to proclaim the truth about Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
Lord, strengthen the leadership of our nation, give them the boldness to do your will, in Jesus name.
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