I’d rather be lucky than good, is the popular phrase. While it is not true, it does acknowledge the fact that many things in this life are simply out of our control. We try. We try hard. We learn, we practice and we push harder to become more. It will never be enough.
This was certainly true for the Israelites. Today, in Psalms 124, we witness the Israelites realization that God had been protecting them. First, they realized that they were outnumbered. Then came the sinking reality that they were outmatched. Finally, they were overcome with fear. I get the sense that they were ready to give up. Thankfully, that is not how the story ends. Instead of disaster, the Israelites are victorious. It turns out that God was on their side. He saved them from all of the horrible things that could befall them.
Of course, as I read these words, I am struck that this is about us. Just like the Israelites, are easily overwhelmed. We are surrounded by accidents and assaults, illness and addiction. Any of these can destroy our lives in an instant and there is nothing we can do about it. It does not matter how good we are, how hard we try, or how much we learn. In the end, it is not about being lucky or good. It is about claiming the victory that Jesus Christ has already ensured each of us. He is the proof that God is on our side. We would do well to praise him for that, right now.
Romans 8:31-34 (NLT) What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.