Psalm 124 - The Reason We Still Stand

Reflections on Psalm 124 – A Song of Grateful Dependence

Have you ever taken a quiet moment to look back over your life and consider this question honestly: Where would I be today if the Lord had not stepped in? Maybe you remember a time of overwhelming grief, a devastating setback, or a moment when temptation nearly took you down. Perhaps there was a hidden danger you didn’t even recognize until later. Yet somehow, here you are—still standing, still believing, still clinging to faith.

This is exactly the type of reflection we encounter in Psalm 124. It’s a song written by David, sung by pilgrims journeying toward Jerusalem, remembering that their survival was not due to their strength or ingenuity. They were alive only because, as David declares, “The Lord was on our side.”

As we recently unpacked this powerful psalm in our current sermon series, Songs of Ascent: A Journey of Hope, we discovered three powerful truths that every follower of Christ must regularly revisit:

1. We Were Outmatched (Psalm 124:1–5)

David opens the psalm with a sobering reflection:

“Had it not been the Lord who was on our side,” let Israel now say, “Had it not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, Then they would have swallowed us alive…” (vv. 1–3)

The imagery is intense and vivid: powerful floods, overwhelming torrents, ruthless enemies. This isn’t mere poetry—it’s reality. It’s how our lives often feel when storms of sorrow, trials, temptation, or even persecution crash against us.

Theological Insight: Psalm 124 reminds us of the biblical doctrine of divine providence—God’s sovereign power and protection over all things. Our survival has never been guaranteed by our strength, but always by His faithfulness.

In the New Testament, Paul confirms this in Romans 5:6:

“For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.”

2. We Were Delivered (Psalm 124:6–7)

Yet the story does not end in defeat but deliverance. David’s tone shifts dramatically as he exclaims in verse 6:

“Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us to be torn by their teeth. Our souls have escaped like a bird out of the snare of the trapper; The snare is broken and we have escaped.”

Can you hear the relief and joy in these words? It’s as if David is saying, We were trapped, we were helpless, the snare was tight—but our God broke it wide open.

Christological Reflection: This vivid imagery beautifully anticipates what Jesus Christ accomplished for us on the cross. When sin trapped us, when death loomed over us, Jesus stepped into our hopelessness. He bore the judgment we deserved, and by His resurrection, shattered the snare of sin and death forever.

Paul captures this gospel reality perfectly:

“He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” (Colossians 1:13)

Our deliverance is not luck—it’s pure grace. The snare is broken not because we were clever or strong, but because Christ broke it for us.

3. We Are Not Alone (Psalm 124:8)

Psalm 124 ends with this confident proclamation:

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

The same God who spoke the universe into being is the God who cares intimately for your life. David’s confidence wasn’t just historical; it was personal and present. He declares that God’s name—His character, faithfulness, power, and promise—is our ongoing hope.

Practical Encouragement: Whatever you face today—anxiety, financial uncertainty, relational conflict, spiritual warfare—you’re not facing it alone. Jesus Himself promises, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

So, believer, you can walk boldly today, not because you are strong, but because the name of the Lord is your strong tower (Proverbs 18:10).

🕊️ Responding to Psalm 124

Now, let’s make this personal:

• What has God delivered you from?

• Where would you be today if the Lord had not intervened?

• What dangers or temptations are you currently facing, and how can remembering God’s past deliverance help you face them now?

  
  

We’d love to hear from you! Your story of deliverance could encourage someone else who desperately needs to hear that God is faithful. Share your reflections, testimonies, or prayer requests in the comments below.

Remember: The same God who stood with David and delivered Israel stands with you today. You are not alone. And you never will be.

🎬 Stay Connected: Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel!

If this blog post resonated with you, we warmly invite you to join our growing community on YouTube. At @faithfultotheword, you’ll find weekly sermons, midweek encouragements, and biblical teachings designed to strengthen your walk with Christ.

✅ Click Here to Subscribe: @faithfultotheword🔔 Be sure to turn on notifications, so you never miss our latest content!

Together, let’s continue to look upward, walk faithfully, and trust the only One who can truly keep us standing—Jesus Christ, our deliverer and our hope.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you this week!

— Dr. Joshua Nichols, Pastor Fairlie Baptist Church

Sermon on Psalm 124