God is our Deliverer

Psalm 124

Scripture Reference

Psalm 124:1-8

And we know that. Praise the Lord for it.

Introduction

Title: “God is our Deliverer” — preached by Dr. Terry LeQuieu.

This short Psalm sits in the middle of the Book of Psalms and speaks plainly to a reality every believer meets sooner or later: we face enemies, pressures, and snares that would drown or devour us if God did not intervene. Yet the Psalmist turns from remembering the danger to praising the Lord for deliverance. For the young adult in the pew who may be juggling school, work, relationships, and a growing faith, this message is a clear and practical reminder: your help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8). We will walk the passage together — the protection God gives, the pressures we face, and the praise we owe — and apply it to everyday Christian living.

We can’t make it without you.

Outline

Protection we find
1. Repeated confession of dependence — Verses 1–2 repeat the phrase “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” teaching us to remember and declare God’s intervention. The repetition helps us internalize the truth that our safety is not ultimately in human strength, institutions, or numbers but in the Lord.
2. God fights our battles — The Psalmist views deliverance as divine action. Israel’s victories depended on the Lord’s presence (as in battles where the Ark led the people). For the Christian, spiritual battles are won by trusting God, not by reliance on our own schemes or popularity.
3. Practical encouragement — When you face a crisis (loss, surgery, broken relationship, job trouble), learn to say, “If the Lord had not been on my side…” and recount how God helped. This practice shapes faith and calms fear.
Pressures we face
1. Enemies’ attitude and action — Verses 3–5 speak of wrath, swallowing, and proud waters overwhelming the soul. The hostile attitude of those opposed to God can manifest in verbal attacks, social pressure, and even physical persecution in many places of the world.
2. Affliction and overwhelm — The “waters” and “streams” picture situations that weigh down the soul: depression, shame, relentless temptation, or coordinated attacks against your testimony. Even Elijah felt overwhelmed and thought he stood alone; yet God counted the faithful others.
3. Staying faithful under pressure — Recognize the devil’s tactics (accusation, temptation, entrapment). Resist by prayer, Scripture, godly counsel, and practical separation from situations that enable sin (remove opportunity; avoid bad company).
Praise we furnish
1. Motivation for exaltation — Verses 6–7 begin the Psalmist’s turn from crisis to praise: “Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.” True praise flows from remembered deliverance. Gratitude is the natural response to rescue.
2. Protection from devouring and trapping — God delivers us from the “teeth” (accusation, slander, spiritual devouring) and from snares (temptations, habitual sins). God’s intervention can both free you and break the pattern so the trap cannot easily catch you again.
3. Means of growth — Repeated victory leads to strengthened resistance. When God breaks a snare, the temptation’s grip is weakened; deliberate choices (prayer, accountability, scripture memory) help the snare stay broken.
Means of escape: the Name and character of God
1. Our help is in the name of the Lord — Verse 8 states the source of deliverance: the Lord who made heaven and earth. The Creator who spoke the cosmos into being is the same One who helps you in small and great troubles.
2. God’s caring character — God is not distant after conversion; He cares and is active in our daily struggles. He gives ways of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13) and limits the devil’s reach.
3. Practical spiritual response — Draw nigh to God, resist the devil, use the name of Jesus in faith (not as a magic formula but as active trust in the Savior), and rely on Scripture as your defense and comfort.
Progression from peril to praise
1. Testimony pattern — The Psalm moves from “if it had not been the Lord…” to “blessed be the Lord…” Learn to trace that progression in your life: recount God’s past help to fuel present trust and future praise.
2. Community testimony — David invites Israel to speak together: corporate testimony multiplies courage. Share deliverance stories in small groups and encourage one another so believers grow in boldness.
3. Encouragement to persevere — When overwhelmed, remember God’s track record. He has been faithful for His people before; He will be faithful now.

Summary

Psalm 124 is a short but powerful reminder that God is our Deliverer. We are fragile, often overwhelmed, and frequently pressured by enemies — both visible and spiritual. Yet God protects us from being devoured and frees us from snares; He gives us ways of escape. The Psalm urges us to remember God’s past deliverances, to trust in His name (the Creator and Savior), and to respond in heartfelt praise. The practical thrust is simple: depend upon the Lord, resist the devil, escape temptation, and let your testimony fuel praise in the church.

We don’t have to face things in this Christian life on our own.

Quote to Ponder

“The only way we’re going to get through anything in this Christian life is by the good grace of God.” — Dr. Terry LeQuieu

Application for the Week

Practical, actionable steps for the week to live out Psalm 124:

Daily remember and declare
1. Each morning, list one recent example where God helped you — speak it aloud or write it in a journal. This trains your heart to trust and primes you for praise.
Identify and remove opportunities
1. Make a concrete list of two places, people, or practices that are repeated opportunities for temptation. Take immediate steps to limit exposure this week (turn off access, decline invitations, change routines).
Use Scripture as your escape route
1. Memorize 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Psalm 124:8 this week. When temptation or pressure comes, quote them aloud and pray briefly for God’s way of escape.
Practice resisting and drawing near
1. When faced with a spiritual attack or worry, immediately (1) pray for strength, (2) submit your will to God, and (3) refuse the first step of sin. Resist the devil with Scripture and the name of Jesus.
Share a deliverance testimony
1. Before next Sunday, tell one fellow believer how God has helped you recently. Corporate testimony strengthens the church and encourages others to trust God for their deliverance.
Practical accountability
1. Ask a mature Christian to check in once this week about the struggles you face and to pray with you. Make the appointment: a phone call, text, or coffee — choose something you will keep.