God to the Rescue
Opening Prayer
Think of times when God has helped you in difficult circumstances. Use these to inspire your worship now.
Read PSALM 124:1-8
[1] A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side- let Israel say- [2] if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us, [3] when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive; [4] the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, [5] the raging waters would have swept us away. [6] Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. [7] We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. [8] Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why is the psalmist moved to such praise?By nature, God is a rescuer. He loves to break in and rescue his people out of seemingly impossible situations so that his grace and power are revealed. This is what we saw earlier in the week in Deborah’s situation.
However, it’s something of a never ending story for God’s people. The book of Judges is a bit like a see-saw as the Israelites turn to God in their distress then turn away again when life becomes more comfortable. They were quick to forget what God had done for them. Perhaps this is why, many years later, the Jews would sing this psalm to each other as they made their pilgrimage towards Jerusalem each year, to remind themselves of where they would be if it wasn’t for God.
We, too, can point to times in our lives when God has delivered us out of difficult situations, and yet we have even more to be thankful for. As we look to the cross, we can understand more fully the destiny Jesus has rescued us from and the wonderful future we have been promised instead.
Apply
Take time now to reflect gratefully on this question: where would you be without God?
Closing prayer
Loving Lord, I have so very much to be thankful for. May I never forget it or forget to thank You.
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