Tinaye Agere
“If the Lord had not been on our side — let Israel say this! — if the Lord had not been on our side, when men attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger raged against us.
“The water would have overpowered us; the current would have overwhelmed us. The raging water would have overwhelmed us.
“The Lord deserves praise, for he did not hand us over as prey to their teeth. We escaped with our lives, like a bird from a hunter’s snare. The snare broke, and we escaped.
“Our deliverer is the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.” — Psalms 124:1-8
Psalm 124 is one of my favourite prayers.
It is a powerful expression of gratitude and reliance on God for deliverance.
It emphasises the idea that without the Lord’s intervention, the challenges and enemies faced would have been overwhelming.
The psalmist reflects on past deliverances and expresses confidence in God’s continued protection and help.
The imagery of a bird escaping a snare is used to illustrate the concept of divine rescue and the inability of humans to save themselves.
Indeed, as children of God, we have escaped many troubles “not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord”.
True and lasting help comes only from the Lord — not from human beings.
Let us continue depending on God for safety and protection; provision and peace; healing and guidance, acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty and care.
Be reminded of the faithfulness of God in providing refuge and deliverance to those who trust in Him, offering comfort and assurance to those facing adversity. Shalom!
Bongani Ndlovu