Psalm 124: Gratitude & Deliverance
WORSHIP
LAUDS
Written by Rich Rivera
Psalm 124 (NRSV)
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side —let Israel now say— if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
This psalm begins with a charge, “let Israel now say” and it ends in a confession of dependance on the Lord, who alone is able to save. This is a song of gratitude for deliverance. It is an honest tune. The psalmist knows that without God’s help, the people would have been overtaken and undone.
Have you ever been in that place of declaration and confession? Have you ever found yourself singing the praises of God as you go along the way? I have, and because I have been in this place and have needed the Lord’s intervention, I can say and even sing, “If it had not been the Lord” who was acting on my behalf, empowering me to see his hand at work, even in the midst of heaviness, I would most certainly lay in ruin.
You see, I too have struggled and am still struggling. Maybe you know what that feels like? I too know, all too well, total and utter hopelessness. I too know what it is like to not be able to save myself. But, “If it had not been the Lord”. If it would’ve been anyone or anything else, I would not be here to join my voice to the chorus of saints (both ancient and new) letting you know, “Our help is in the name of the Lord”—let us know give praise—“Our help is in the name of the Lord.”
Beloved, we are not alone. Our voices, our cries for help, our tears, and our praises are joined with the chorus of saints (both ancient and new) that give the Lord our worship, even when it’s hard.
Reflection
Reflect on a time when you found yourself in a place of deep reliance on God's intervention. What emotions did you experience during that time, and how did your faith impact your perspective?
Have you ever felt the urge to express gratitude to God, even amidst challenging circumstances? Describe a situation where you felt compelled to sing praises despite facing difficulties.
Share a personal experience where you struggled with feelings of hopelessness. How did you navigate through those emotions, and did your faith play a role in providing comfort or strength?
Consider the concept of collective worship and praise mentioned in the passage. How does the idea of joining your voice with those of other believers, both past and present, impact your understanding of community and spiritual solidarity?
VESPERS
God of the Green
By Randall William White
During the Night, O God of the Green
You work your mysteries.
The fern unfolds,
The eager corn stalk creaks and groans as it seems to rise a foot,
Gnarled grape vines reach across a span to
Twist around some new support.
During the Night, O God of the Green
You repair, you feed and steel what rests for the
New day of growth,
Or propagation or
Fruit
Or the simple display of your elegant design,
The Magenta Bouganvilla,
The Peach blossom,
The backlit leaf of the Pin Oak that shimmers above.
This day, as the sun hits my friend’s face;
As he reaches across a span to twist his
Arms around those who support him
We trust You, O God of the Green
To have worked your mysteries in my friend,
During the Night.
