With God On Our Side

In this psalm of praise Israel had been delivered from attack through the power of God. In its history Israel had a number of experiences of military deliverance due to God’s action alone; and they always resulted in heartfelt praise. Likewise, whenever we experience rescue from apparently impossible situations, the only proper response is thanksgiving.

But why does God not intervene every time? What was so special about this time? If God is “on our side,” why did he allow these things to happen in the first place?

Taken out of context, the “God on our side” language is misleading. God is on God’s side, even when acting to deliver his people (see Josh. 5:13-15). What matters is our being on God’s side, being his covenant people. When God acted to deliver Israel, he was being true to the covenant. When God used invading armies to judge Israel for its idolatry and injustice, he was being true to the covenant. In both its old and new forms, the covenant provides one great guarantee: God will accomplish the purposes for which he called Israel, sent his Son and brought us to faith. His is a covenant of love. And to cooperate with God’s plan and purpose is the best way by far to live.

We will have many occasions for praise, but whether we experience peril or protection, the future is secure. The apostle Paul, who experienced both, summed this up magnificently: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31). No trouble or hardship will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:38,39). Or, as the psalmist says, “Our help is in the name of the Lord” (8).

Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:38,39). Create your own version of Paul’s list in Romans 8, naming the challenges and struggles you face.