Thanksgiving for God’s Help
Psalm 124
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj.
Introduction
Psalm 124 is a song of ascents, traditionally sung by pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem to give thanks to the Lord. In this psalm, David leads Israel in expressing gratitude for God’s past help and demonstrates his trust and confidence in God’s ongoing assistance.
A. Giving Thanks to the Lord Who Helps (Psalm 124:1-5)
- The psalmist acknowledges that God alone delivered him during times of great danger in Israel’s history. He affirms that God stood by their side and invites the people to imagine how devastating life would have been without the Lord’s intervention.
- David does not speak only of his own experience but calls all of God’s covenant people to recognize how God has helped them in past threats. Giving thanks, then, becomes not just a personal act of gratitude, but a communal and even national response to God, who was present when enemies threatened destruction. Without God’s help, they would have been consumed by their enemies and overwhelmed by their wrath. The psalmist poetically describes the danger as being swallowed alive by a beast or being swept away by raging waters.
B. Giving Praises to the Lord Who Helps (Psalm 124:6-8)
- Looking back, the psalmist is keenly aware of God’s protection and deliverance. He recognizes this remarkable help and responds with praise. The psalmist describes their deliverance as being rescued from the fangs of a wild animal or as a bird escaping a hunter’s snare. With God’s help, the people of Israel were kept safe from threats, destruction, and oppression.
- He declares that his help—and the nation’s—comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, because they put their trust in Him. Remembering God’s past faithfulness inspires both gratitude and renewed confidence to trust Him in the face of present and future dangers.
Conclusion
God has helped us through past difficulties. Psalm 124 calls us to acknowledge what the Creator of heaven and earth has done in our lives and to thank and praise His holy name. Trusting God is vital on our journey of faith, and giving thanks strengthens our confidence in Him for whatever challenges may come. Take a moment to reflect on God’s help in your own life and praise Him. As you do, your confidence in God’s name will grow, empowering you to face anything with His help.