Psalm 124

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when our enemies attacked us, then they would have swallowed us up alive . . .” (Psalm 124:1-3a, NRSV)

An Old Testament professor I knew said that the subtitle of the Bible should be “If it had not been for the Lord!”   It could be a subtitle for my life, as well!  I think of the events in my life over my 70 years (yikes!) and think what fortunate turns my life has taken.  I also think of all the things that could have gone seriously wrong!  Even though the good things that have happened have sometimes involved some decision making and some risk taking on my part, the way things have come together for good have been beyond my manipulation and planning, and often in spite of both.  It has been God’s doing.  God has not predestined the story of my life, but has given me my choices, and has made good things happen out of good and bad choices and good and bad circumstances.  I can say with confidence, “If it hadn’t been for the Lord!”

Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for being active in the shaping of our lives.  Thank you for keeping us afloat in bad times and rescuing us, and weaving our lives for good and for your glory through the years.  Amen.

– Father Larry Parrish, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Falls City