Intervention from the Lord
While up in the mountains, we celebrated Riley’s tenth birthday, which is tomorrow. Riley accompanied his parents on a hike today and Bridget captured some great pictures in the process. It was a delight to have our friends Billy and Carol Roberts, from Atlanta, come by for a visit. They were in Summit County the last two weeks enjoying the fall weather in Colorado.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Praise the Lord, who did not let their teeth tear us apart! We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap. The trap is broken, and we are free! Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:6-8 NLT
Psalm 123 pictures God’s people enduring contempt keeping their eyes on the Lord waiting for the “signal” to end their trials. Psalm 124 is one of rejoicing over the Lord’s intervention. One thing about difficulties coming to an end; after some time has passed, the difficulties began to fade into the “woodwork.” That has at least been my experience with my recovery over the last three years. I went from questioning if and when my hospitalization would come to an end, to seeing the days of struggle, question and pain becoming a distant memory.
But knowing the source of your help makes all the difference. Once again we see the psalmist declaring help from, “the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” There is noting outside of God’s knowledge or outside of His power to change.
This psalm opens with a declaration of recognition and praise, “What if the Lord had not been on our side? Let all Israel repeat: What if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us?” (Psalm 124:1,2 NLT) If the Lord had not been with God’s people and been their helper, the outcome would have been far different.
“They would have swallowed us alive in their burning anger. The waters would have engulfed us; a torrent would have overwhelmed us. Yes, the raging waters of their fury would have overwhelmed our very lives.” (Psalm 124:3-5 NLT)
But those circumstances never took place because the Lord did not let it happen. Once again, as I reflect on my own personal health crisis, I can relate to the words of this psalm. My outcome could have been far different and far more challenging than the prolonged journey of recovery that I am on.
I am thankful that regardless of the trial, circumstance or challenge the Lord who is the maker of heaven and earth is our helper.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for being the “just in time” God. You are the God who is “on our side” and the Lord of heaven and earth. Nothing is outside of Your concern, or power to change.