Monday June 19, 2023

Today is Monday, June 19 and we are studying what the Bible says about God our Help.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I slow my breathing and focus myself on the God who loves me – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, guide me on this pilgrim journey. Make me attentive to your ways, teach me your will, strengthen my steps and lift my spirits as I travel this day with you. Amen.

I praise God for his loving care and rejoice with the words of Psalm 124.

If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Psalm 124:1,6-7

Pause and Pray

This week’s Psalm of Ascent (Psalm 124) is a song of God’s help when pilgrims encounter the hazards of life. This is a song of praise from someone who has been through an ordeal and recognized God’s providential hand of deliverance. It is a witness to a God who shows up when we are overcome with fear. It does not ask why the ordeal happened nor does it explain God’s help. The song vigorously and confidently bursts forth with praise in the wake of tragedy. It begins with a solitary voice and then others join in as testimony of what God has done.

If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1-8

As I reflect back over the course of my life, I consider the difficulties I have faced, the near tragedies that were prevented and the close calls that might have ruined my life. Some were caused by my own transgressions and others were the result of harm inflicted by others. The automobile accident that could have been more serious, the awaited test results that turned out benign, the misstep that might have destroyed a relationship, the decision that would have led into a trap, the investment that might have ended in financial ruin, the angry encounter that could have escalated to violence. What was it for me?

Ask: Where have I seen God’s hand guiding my past? How might the Lord have come to my aid when I didn’t even know it?

Pause and Pray

Thank you, Lord God, for being on my side. You have been with me when the storms of life rose and the flood waters threatened to sweep me away. You were there when evil deceived me and schemed to entrap me in its snare. You were with me when I was treated unfairly and attacked with angry words. You were with me when life was hard and I was afraid; and I did not even know it. I read the words from Psalm 124 again and listen for the message you have for me.

If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:1-8

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the emotions this passage evokes in me. Maybe I feel comfort and peace as I acknowledge the provision of God in times past. Perhaps I feel the opposite, not able to see God’s hand in the course of my life. Maybe I am currently encountering an angry person and am afraid of their potential actions. Or perhaps I am worried and under threat of a financial flood. Maybe an illness or disease threatens to attack my physical body or mental health. Perhaps the “fowler’s snare” is prowling around looking to trap me. What does God want me to know from the testimony of the Psalmist?

Pause and Pray

Come, Blessed Lord, reveal yourself amid my worries, fears and concerns. Remind me that whatever I face in this life, I am not alone. You are with me and will be with me until the end. I look to you for help in the face of difficulties large and small. Comfort me with the joy of your presence and guide me through the course of each day. Amen.

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8

I leave this time of prayer in the comfort and peace of God, I go to bring comfort and peace to others.

Amen