Not for the Lord

Scripture Reading

Psalm 124:1–2 (ESV)
“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…”

Introduction

Psalm 124 is a thanksgiving psalm written after a time of great danger. David looked back at situations Israel could not have overcome on their own. Victory made sense only because God stood with them. Like David, every believer has moments when life itself testifies, “If not for the Lord…”

This psalm teaches us to recognize divine intervention. God does not only work in the loud, dramatic miracles; He also works quietly in the background, keeping His people from harm.

Devotional Reflection

1. A Call to Remember God’s Deliverance

David begins by calling the whole nation to remember. This repetition is intentional. Memory keeps praise alive. When you remember what God saved you from, worship becomes natural.

Early church father St. Augustine captured this truth when he wrote:
“If we take time to recount our dangers, we will see that every escape was the mercy of God.”

Psalm 124 invites us to rethink our survival stories. Nothing “just happened.” God was present, guiding, shielding, blocking, and lifting.

2. The Invisible Battles God Fought for You

Many of God’s acts of mercy happen behind the scenes. Some dangers you saw; others you didn’t. But His hand was active all the same.

John Chrysostom, one of the most respected early Christian teachers, once said:
“The greater part of God’s mercies are those we never see.”

Sometimes you only appreciate your deliverance when you look back and realize how close the enemy came. Yet God allowed none of it to prevail. He stood between you and every threat.

3. Deliverance That Does Not Depend on Human Strength

David identified that Israel’s survival was not tied to military strength, strategy, or human wisdom.

Theologian A.W. Tozer beautifully wrote:
“We survive because God holds us, not because we hold Him.”

This truth humbles the heart. It reminds you that grace, not effort, is the foundation of your testimony.

4. “If Not for the Lord” Is the True Story of Every Believer

Just as Israel escaped the flood and the snare (Psalm 124:4–7), God has pulled you out of:

• Unexpected danger
• Emotional storms
• Spiritual battles
• Attacks meant to break you
• Situations you thought you would never survive

Paul echoes the same thought in 2 Corinthians 1:10:
“He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again.”

Your story continues because the Lord is on your side.

Life Application

1. Practice intentional remembrance.
   Take a moment each week to reflect on where God’s hand shielded you. Gratitude deepens your faith.

2. Stop giving accidents the credit.
   Replace phrases like “I was lucky” with “God preserved me.”

3. Tell your story.
   Someone’s faith will grow when they hear what God rescued you from.

4. Face the future with calm confidence.
   What God did before, He can do again. His presence is your assurance.

5. Pray for spiritual sensitivity.
   Ask God to help you recognize His hand in your daily walk.

Prayer

Father, I thank You for every deliverance You have given me—seen and unseen. Looking back, I know that if not for You, I would not be standing today. Strengthen my faith, deepen my gratitude, and open my eyes to recognize Your hand at work in my life. Help me to walk boldly into the future, trusting in Your unfailing protection. In Jesus’ name, Amen.