Psalms of Ascent: April 12th

I am constantly amazed at how fast I can forget something. I forget not only my keys, the rest of my sentence, the meal I enjoyed last week, the gift from a friend on my last birthday, and what my God has done for me. The Israelites were no different. Thus, they established memorials, feasts, and songs to help them remember. This psalm is one of those songs thinking back on what God has done for them and calling on Him because they remember His character and work. Read Psalm 124 with me:

Our Help Is in the Name of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

124 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side —

let Israel now say —

2 if it had not been the LORD who was on our side

when people rose up against us,

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,

when their anger was kindled against us;

4 then the flood would have swept us away,

the torrent would have gone over us;

5 then over us would have gone

the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the LORD,

who has not given us

as prey to their teeth!

7 We have escaped like a bird

From the snare of the fowlers;

the snare is broken

and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

Covenant

Four times in this psalm the title LORD is used, which indicates the covenant relationship that He has with Israel. God is for His people and loves His people deeply, which is demonstrated in His help for them. Here are some reflections for thought:

1. What are some of the things that the Israelites remember that God has done for them? What are some of the things that God has done for you?
2. Read Romans 8:38-39. If God has entered into a covenant with us by His grace, is there anything that can separate us from His love? From the verses in Romans, list the ways that we cannot be separated from God’s love.  
3. Write your own psalm of invocation as you remember all the works of God in your own life and praise Him for them.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I praise you for your faithfulness. Over and over, I have seen how you protect your people and rescue them in their time of need. I praise you for your Son Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross that allowed me to be called your own. Thank you that nothing can ever separate me from your love. Amen.

— Jamie Harms