Slices
Prepare
Are you able to make space for God today in a more leisurely way than normal? Take time to be still and quiet – and thank God for the gift of rest.
Bible passage
A song of ascents. Of David.
1 If the Lord had not been on our side –
let Israel say –
2 if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Explore
This battle psalm sits well in the context of a series on the book of Joshua. It was written by David, probably during his skirmishes with the Philistines (eg 2 Samuel 5:17–25).
The message is clear: without God’s help Israel would have been overwhelmed, but he came to their aid and gave them victory. As Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ We too may feel overwhelmed, but we can count on the same divine intervention.
Many graphic images are used to describe Israel’s plight: being eaten alive (v 3), swept away in a flood (v 4) or ripped to pieces (v 6). The one that stands out to me, though, is that of a tiny, defenceless bird that has been snared and captured, only to be set free to fly again (v 7). This beautiful image of freedom from captivity speaks to us of the way God liberates us from bondage to sin and enslavement to addictions. God is on the side of all who desire a better life and to be free from life-destroying habits. No matter what our circumstances, God is our helper. He is on our side.
Respond
Do you feel overwhelmed? Trapped and helpless, like that little bird? Remember God is your helper and your deliverer. He is able to save you, and to set you free.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 21,22; Psalm 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for all those who read SU Portugal’s devotional publications including Today, TribUB, Day by Day and Bread from Heaven, that the Lord will bless each one and help them grow in faith.
