If it Had Not Been For the Lord, Where Would I Be?

Scripture: Psalm 124:1 NKJ - If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, Let Israel now say-
     
Let Ps. 124 be a reminder to the people of God to trust in the faithfulness of Him in the circumstances. For sure, many believers can recall deliverance by divine intervention. Those times you were dependent on God, knowing if He didn’t come through for you,  the enemy would destroy you. We come to trust entirely upon God for his hand of mercy in times of need.
     
The significance of Psalm 124 - is its’ reflection on  Israel’s deliverance from danger, a realization of the Lord’s help from times past, and the appropriate response to the Lord’s help. Sudden attacks on the people might have defeated Israel, except the Lord was on their side.  “If God is for us, who can be against us”? (Rom. 8:31). Therefore, beloved, walk with the Lord and not feel unprepared for the enemy’s attacks.
     
God works through individuals to accomplish His purpose in delivering from troubling circumstances. Nehemiah and his people (while repairing the wall and gates of Jerusalem)  were in the presence of people of other nations round about, who ridiculed them (Neh. 2:19-20; 4:1-5) and (Neh. 4:7-23). The people committed to watch and pray for help from the Lord while the work continued with the weapon in one hand. Nehemiah’s words to his workers;  “ Our God will fight for us” (Neh. 4:20).
   
 There are many other incidents of deliverances, whereas the Lord granted favor by divine intervention. Moses at the Red sea was allowed to walk across the bottom sea on dry ground as the waters divided (Exodus 14:21); Joseph was placed in a pit by his jealous brothers, then sold to Egyptians. The Lord was with   Joseph, and he was successful and was found favorable with His Master. Accused falsely of a crime, sent to prison, released, and made the charge of everything of the Pharoah. He saved his people and other nation during a famine, was reunited with his father Jacob, and was at his bedside when he passed (Genesis chapters 39- 50). David escaped Saul on multiple occasions, and he also was not swallowed up while warring against other nations. The Lord will defend His peoples to accomplish His purpose. The Hebrews escaped the hand of Haman after Queen Esther risked her life by intervening on behalf of saving her people. If it had not been for the Lord on their side, things would have resulted differently. Hallelujah Lord, for the confidence in God’s power you give to children of men.
   
 I have come to pen this devotional as I listen to a song by the same title.  Perhaps this one stanza will minister to your soul.
                       
If it had not been for the Lord on my side, tell me, where would I be? Where would I be?
If it had not been for the Lord on my side, tell me, where would I be? Where would I be?
He kept my enemies away! He let the sunshine through a cloudy day.
Oh,  He wrapped me in the cradle of His arms, When He knew I’d been battered by the storm?

Prayer:  Lord, You promised never to leave me alone. It is evident that You also minister to us relentlessly in every circumstance. We come through the flood and fire; Lord! Your love keeps me. Thank-You Jesus. Amen.

(by Novella D. Carpenter)