Focus

Breathe in clear thoughts of peace and reflection as you prepare to hear God speak to you through the scripture and the writer. Put aside all the things the world says you have to accomplish today and use this time to rest in God’s presence.

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Read

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.

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Reflect

Taking sides seems like a risky thing to do. Many of us have seen how taking sides can complicate the matter. Still, there are times when people feel that they must choose sides because it seems like the just response to that particular situation. It can cause great tension when one is put in the place of having to choose, but sometimes there seems to be no other way out.

David was reminding the people of Israel how they could not have survived without the Lord God being on their side. It seems that from their earliest days, the Israelites were better at making enemies than at forging alliances. They were often in a place where they could easily have been overcome or completely destroyed, but God always seemed to provide a remnant so that the nation would continue.

The same is true for us today. There are certainly times when we could be swallowed up or perhaps even implode. But in those times we must cling to the truth that God is our helper and deliverer. Surely that can be a source of great comfort and peace.

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Pray

Faithful God, we thank you for being on our side. We know that there have been many times when we could have been swept away or destroyed, but your mighty hand has delivered us. Help us to find hope through difficult days knowing that you have been the deliverer of your people throughout the generations. Lord God Almighty, hear our prayer. Amen.

Go with God.