Ewald Schmidt

A song of ascents. Of David. “If the Lord had not been on our side – let Israel say – …the raging waters would have swept us away…. Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:1,5,8 (NIV)

When David writes this song, a part of his journey as a pilgrim already lies behind him. A pilgrimage gives you time to think about your life. You reflect on some of life’s most important questions, for example, “Who am I? How did I get to this point in my life?”

When David reflected on his past, he could immediately think of some significant moments. He could recall times of extreme danger. There were times when mighty enemies made war against him and his people. These enemies were so strong they were described as being able to devour the children of God alive. Times of danger are described as a flood of water washing over David and his people. There were so many challenging times to cope with, that it felt too much to handle for a mere human being. You and I can also testify to these moments in our past – we also have been through quite a journey in our lives so far.  

David, when he looks back on the journey of his life, discovers that God has been with him all along the way. He gives God the credit for his salvation in verse 6. God did not let the enemy make prey of his children. He helped in every instance of danger, that his children could be set free like birds breaking out from a fowler’s snare. When every pilgrim looks back on the journey of his life, he sees how God has been there all the time, protecting and helping him. This renews his trust in the Lord. If God could create heaven and earth, he is mighty to help us with every need. This fills my heart with hope and trust for the road of the future ahead.

To see God’s mercy in our past, his deeds of salvation, fill our hearts with faith for today’s challenges that may arise. It gives us hope to take on the path of the future with new boldness.

Prayer: Lord, our past bears witness to how you were always there, helping your children in every time of need. We trust in you as our God, Creator of heaven and earth. You are mighty, and able to help with every challenge we may face in life. Your presence in our past, and your help in all today’s challenges fill our hearts with faith, and with hope for the path we shall walk in the future. My help comes from the Lord! Amen