Today our scripture comes from Psalm 124:1-8.
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
How unique a God Jehovah is, who allows His people to suffer, to be crushed and overrun by the wicked, for the purpose of displaying his glory and might and righteous wrath.
How should I take it when God allows me to be persecuted and destroyed by those who hate me? Do I spite Him for it? I think my inclination is to politely ask Him why He needs to show off by belittling me, but what is He really doing? How much insight do I have into my soul, my spirit? Sometimes, not much at all. What I perceive on the surface as God showboating his power by revealing how He can rescue me, perhaps is really God opening up a way for people to know Him who previously didn’t.
The name of the Lord itself is holy, and powerful. When we call upon His name, aren’t we really calling upon Him? In ancient times, naming someone by their True Name was a way of gaining control over them. Here, God allows access to Him through His name. When we call to Him, He aids us.