"The Lord Who Was On Our Side" (Ps 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 men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us”.  (vs1-3)

If God wasn't for us, then Satan, sin, and sinners would have swallowed us whole, devouring and defeating us (vs1-6).  He says, “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”.

We can't stand in our own strength or wisdom.  We are as dependent upon God now as when we started. In the beginning, even faith was a gift, and every victory… every recovery… is of the Lord.  Romans 9:16 says, “So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy”.  We fail without Him, but He never fails to save us.

Secondly, we are not better or stronger than others.  1 Corinthians 4:7, says, “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” Like Israel, we've obtained mercy. Yesterday I saw a handsome boy about 11 years old, Black mixed with Asian. His father was handsome, well dressed, and I assume the mother is pretty. Regardless, this boy isn't beautiful because HE worked hard and earned it; he was born a flower instead a blade of grass. Likewise, we're born again by grace, kept by God’s faithfulness in Christ, and we're given the faith to conquer. We have no reason to boast, only to thank the Lord, and humbly sing His praises. We live in the light of unmerited favor and grace (Matt 18:21-35). We aren't strong and growing because of ourselves, so grace teaches us to help others by the power we’ve received (Gal 6:1-2). We use God’s gifts for His honor, in love and purity.

Thirdly, victory is by grace, so look to God’s love in Christ, the smile that’s on His face, and get more grace to continue. Do nothing yourself without God, not one thing.  Lean on the Spirit, and you’ll win because you’re favored, reconciled, and fully accepted (Deut 20:1-4). We only win because of God, so look to Him, thank Him, and live assured that He’s ready to save. He's the One that weaklings and conquerors trust (Is 40:28-31).

Finally, our help is God All Powerful, the sustainer of the world.  He’s no weakling. He does His pleasure always, so we have sufficient help, indeed (vs6-8)! He says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth”.  Don't look at your present troubles or future fears, but look to your Helper instead. The obstacles are conquerable and shall be defeated because He can't fail and faith RESTS in Him. I can overcome my sin and fears, because He will do it for me and in me. His grace is enough, and He will freely give (2 Cor 12:7-9).  Look to His past faithfulness and look to Him as Almighty, saying, "We'll make it because He rules the storms, He gives peace, and He ruins Satan's tricks and schemes".  The disciples said, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him? (Mark 4:35-41)” The believer has God, so he's SAFE fighting sin.

Boldness and assurance… confidence and victory… these are the rightful privileges of believers, the Israel of God.  Paul said, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world… and as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God (Gal 6:14-16). Therefore, conquer and be thankful, trust and be secured. Almighty power works for you, God is on your side, and victory is guaranteed. Faith sees and receives!