Psalm 124 speaks to God’s unfailing protection and deliverance in perilous times. It invites us to constantly remember and give thanks for His intervention in our lives as it emphasizes our dependency on God. Our Father’s major intervention is the sending of His Son. This psalm calls to faith, reminds us that when faced with what seems insurmountable challenges we can confidently turn to our Maker and Protector, our Lord.

124:1-2 The names of problems do change with time, but their character of destruction is the same. David asks us to recall specific instances where you have experienced God’s deliverance in your life. How can these memories strengthen your faith?

124:3-5 The dangers faced by the Israelites and by us are metaphorically depicted as being swallowed alive, swept away by floods, and drowned by torrential waters. Totally hopeless and almost helpless—if not for the Lord!

After taking stock of the calamity that could have (perhaps should have) befallen us, David shifts to praise. He displays the attitude of gratitude we need to emulate.

The tone shifts to a joyous note of thanksgiving. The psalmist praises God for not allowing them to become a prey for their enemies’ teeth. Their escape is likened to a bird that has been released from the snare of a hunter–a metaphor that underscores God’s deliverance.

Develop a habit of thanking God for His protection and deliverance, both in personal prayers and communal worship.

124:8 Our Help Is in the Name of the LORD

David concludes with a powerful profession of faith, acknowledging that help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

We should remind each other, in times of peace and in times of trouble, of our Lord’s faithfulness in the past and promises for the future—continued provision and protection.

Author: Richard Lawson

Other Scriptures for today:

• Genesis 9:1-17
• Hebrews 11:32-40