Journal Entry by Lester Salanoa

S – Scripture: Psalm 24 (NIV)
1 If the Lord had not been on our side – let Israel say –
2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare, the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

O - Observation
A great reminder from the Psalmist to Israel about the many times the sovereign Lord has delivered them out of the hands of those in opposition. Astounding that even post-exodus, the Israelites would still need any kind of reminder (surely the Red Sea would’ve been enough?!)

A - Application
I am deeply encouraged by this passage from the Psalmist because, as we all continue to face differing circumstances at different stages in life, it may become more and more difficult to maintain a high level of faith in tough periods therefore we may at times need to take a brief look back at how far God has brought us and the many (many, many, many times in my case) times he has rescued us out of situations that seemed un-rescuable (not sure if that’s a word, but it fits).

The beauty of all this is – God continues to help, guide and rescue us even when all seems lost, so a brief look back may sometimes put the spring back in our step and allow for God to continue to breathe life into lifeless situations.

P - Prayer
Father, may you continue to help me fix my eyes on you in all areas of my life, as I look to bring you into every circumstance good or bad. May the message of your redemptive love be reflected through us all as we continue to reach those all around us every opportunity we get! We love you. Amen.