My Help
BRD REFLECTION 2025
(Matthew Peter, Pastoral Team Member)
READ:
Psalm 124:1-3 (ESV): 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 people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us.
Psalm 124:8 (ESV): Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
OBSERVE:
In verses 3 and 6, the psalmist uses strong imagery of our being consumed by enemies who “swallowed us up alive” and given to enemies “as prey to their teeth.” This language paints a picture of total devouring, where nothing is left behind. In David’s day, it spoke to military and political threats. But in our time, this imagery also resonates with a different kind of danger, the consumeristic culture that devours my time, attention, identity, and relationships.
Society often operates on a “more is better” mindset, more possessions, more achievements, more recognition, more power, more attention. Without realizing it, I can be swallowed up by these relentless demands and appetites, leaving my soul empty and exhausted.
Psalm 124 reminds me that only God can break that consuming grip and set me free with the assurance that my help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. What a contrast to the endless “more” culture demands.
APPLY:
Note what the psalmist writes: “if it had not been for the Lord” – singular, specific, personal. It reminds me that what truly makes the difference is not more, but the One, the Lord Himself.
When I declare “my help is in the name of the Lord”, I am applying His name as a covering, a shield, and a source of strength. His name carries His character, His promises, and His authority. It becomes a declaration of dependence, saying, “I will not be consumed, because He is my defender.” His name is more than enough for me.
DO:
Identify one area where I feel “consumed” (e.g., work, social media, material desires)
Limit that area this week and replace the time and energy with Scripture or quiet reflection.
Declare “My help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.”
Encourage someone else to resist the pull of overconsumption by sharing how God has helped me find rest in Him.
PRAY:
Lord, if it had not been You who was on my side, I don’t know where I would be today. You have kept me from being swallowed by fear, exhaustion, and the consuming demands of this world. Forgive me for the times I have chased after “more” instead of resting in the One who is enough. My help is in Your name, Lord, maker of heaven and earth. In the name of Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.
