Our scripture today is Psalm 124.
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side— let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side” pretty well sums up every success and every saving grace we have ever experienced. Without God, we are lost and powerless against the chaos that would consume us. Only His love and strength sustain us.
This psalm is a reminder that only through God’s gifts do we accomplish anything at all. We hear stories of “self-made” people but we know that no one does it alone. Our relationship with God is what enables and protects us.
We will still face trying times and the world will still challenge our faith. However, the Apostle Paul writes “if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). This is the blessing we have through our relationship with God. “Our help is in the name of the Lord!”
Almighty Father, when we sometimes think we have achieved something on our own, forgive our foolish pride. We know that for You nothing is impossible, and without You we can do nothing. Bless us to be effective disciples, sharing the Good News with everyone. Amen.