If it had not been the Lord…

"If it had not been the LORD…" Psalms 124:1 (NKJV)

In context, Psalm 124 is a song of praise about how God supernaturally delivered Israel from all of her enemies. But pay close attention to how it starts out: "If it had not been the LORD…"

Why is that so significant to note? It's significant because it's the Psalmist's way of saying, "Before I go on to describe Israel's triumph over her enemies, I want to give credit where credit is due. Before I go anywhere, I want everyone to know that none of what follows could have ever happened if it weren't for God."

Now, in this case we're talking about Israel's deliverance from her surrounding rival nations. But pull back and look at the statement with a wider lens: "If it had not been the LORD.…" Each of us, in our own way, can finish that sentence.



"If it had not been the LORD, I never would have overcome my addiction."



"If it had not been the LORD, I couldn't have forgiven that person who wounded me."



"If it had not been the LORD, I wouldn't know what real love and acceptance is."

"If it had not been the LORD, I would have had no hope of being a good parent."

"If it had not been the LORD, I probably wouldn't be alive."

"If it had not been the LORD…"

The point is simply this: All of us can finish this sentence in a very specific and personal way because all of us need the Lord in our own unique way. What's more, He and He alone deserves all the credit for the good that takes place in our lives.

Take a moment today to consider how you'd complete the sentence. Then thank the Lord for what He's done in your life.



If it had not been You, Lord…