Peace of Mind for the People of God
When we gather together as the church one of our goals is to see that the name of the Lord is honoured. We come together to remember the mighty works of God on our behalf and publicly give thanks to our Lord. Like the ancient people of God, we desire the name of the Lord to be blessed (6). We desire God’s reputation to grow throughout the earth as we publicly recount His great deeds on our behalf.
In this psalm David calls the people of God to praise God for His help when they were in great danger. He tells the congregation to join in together and say, “If God had not been with us...” (1-2). If God had not been with them, then their adversaries would have completely destroyed them like the devouring of a wild animal or the engulfing waters of a swift flood (3-5). Brethren, there will be times in your life in which your troubles will seem insurmountable. You may even be buried underneath them and seemingly have no way out. Yet, God is for you, and has your best interests at heart. Brethren, during those times remember the past deeds of God on your behalf and trust in Him. Your life may be in danger, yet your soul can rest in God.
David continues by calling Israel to praise God for His help and salvation (6-8). God has delivered His people and freed them from the traps around them like a bird from a snare (6-7). They can praise God because the Creator of all things is their help (8). Brethren, praise God for how He has protected you in the past and trust Him for the future.