A Song of Ascents. Of David. “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 men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive when their wrath was kindled against us. Then the waters would have overwhelmed us; the stream would have gone over our soul. Then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as 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. (Psalm 124)

The Lord Is On Our Side

David was not a stranger to danger and those who actively sought to destroy him. Saul’s jealousy caused him to chase after David like a flea or hunting a partridge in the mountains. David had political foes, enemies in his own household, and the constant battles with the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and Syrians. Throughout all his battles, one constant remained with David from an early age. He knew that God was his Shepherd, and he would never have want of anything. The dangers David faced were real. He describes his foes as a surging flood that would have overwhelmed them. His enemies were like the beasts of the field seeking to devour their prey or a bird caught in a trap. God was the only reason David was saved. He knew God created the world, and there was no greater help than the One who made heaven and earth.

Fear can destroy the soul more than the actions of the enemies. One of the powerful tools of Satan is to instill in the hearts of God’s people a fear that does not rely on the power of God. Anxiety, worry, obsession, and fear can fill the heart where the soul cowers in the darkness of the wiles of the devil. Jesus warned the world would hate His followers because it hated Him. If the child of God allows the fears of an antagonistic world to guide the heart, the kingdom of God will suffer. David reminds the people of God that help always comes from the Lord. It does not matter how great the adversity is; God is a constant help and rescue.

David’s conclusion is that if God had not been on the side of the righteous, he would have fallen. He attributes victory to the Lord through His great power. David was a wise shepherd who fought against the lion and the bear to protect his sheep. In the Valley of Elah, the shepherd boy killed Goliath with one stone. When Saul chased David, seeking to take his life, David relied upon his faith in God to protect him. He refused to kill Saul, the anointed of the Lord, even though he had opportunities to do so. His faith in God to protect him from his enemies did not allow him to strike against the will of God.

David praised God for His protection. The child of God knows the Father will take care of His children and keep them from the evil one. This does not mean there will not be trials to face and times, being a follower of Jesus Christ will not come without a price. Jesus taught that often, the enemies of truth are in the family. At times in history, the political forces of the world attacked the foundations of truth and righteousness. Religions of the world have persecuted the one true church. Satan is constantly at war with the saints of God to destroy them. David proclaims that without the help of the Lord God, there can be no victory. When the challenge of unrighteousness is won, glory is given to God for His deliverance by His power.

It is important to have the spirit of David to rise each day and to give praise to God for the victories over sin. God deserves the honor and glory for His greatness to deliver His children. Blessed be the Lord who brings His people through the trials of life. He brings hope and comfort. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Always put your trust in your Maker and Savior. God will never leave you nor forsake you. That is a promise from God – who cannot lie. Put your trust in the Lord. He will not fail you.