Key Verse: “Who stands up for me against the wicked? Who takes a stand for me against evildoers? If the Lord had not been my helper, I would soon rest in the silence of death. If I say, “My foot is slipping,” your faithful love will support me, Lord. When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy.” (Psalm 94:16-19 CSB)
In this section of Psalm 94, the Psalmist remembers his experience of being in a battle against his enemies. As he encountered the “wicked” and the “evildoers,” he realized that on his own he was in serious trouble. He desperately needed someone to rise up in his defense and to take a stand on his behalf. Otherwise, he would “soon rest in the silence of death” (v.17).
Sometimes it feels a little like this, doesn’t it? As we seek to faithfully follow Jesus and engage in His kingdom work, there are moments or days or even seasons when it feels like the opposition is simply too overwhelming.
The devil, the world, and our own sinful desires within us seek to turn us away from God and keep us from doing the good we know we ought to do. Some days, sinful temptations are relentless. Doubt rises up within us. The burdens and anxieties of life start to overwhelm us. What we desperately need is someone to rise up in our defense and help us out.
The good news is that we have someone like that. His name is Jesus. “I lift my eyes toward the mountains,” the Psalmist wrote, “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). David wrote, “I waited patiently for the Lord and he turned to me and heard my cry for help” (Psalm 40:1). Jesus stands ready to rise up in our defense and be the help we so desperately need in the face of opposition.
Back in Psalm 94, the writer described further how this played out in his own experience. “If I say, ‘My foot is slipping,’” he wrote, “Your faithful love will support me, Lord. When I am filled with cares, your comfort brings me joy” (v.18-19). The writer knew that they would be times in the battle when he would feel like he was losing his footing. There would be moments when troubling or anxious thoughts would begin to rise up within him.
But even in those moments, God would be there by his side to take him by the hand and hold him up. God’s faithful love would support him and give him the ability to stand firm. God’s comfort would lead him to a place of joy.
The same is true for us. The Lord is our Helper. He stands ready to rise up in our defense in the face of opposition. He is able to keep us from stumbling. He is there to be our support and our comfort. His faithful love and strength is more than sufficient to help us stand firm.
In what ways do you need God to be your Helper today? What are you facing right now that is seeking to cause your feet to slip? Turn to the Lord. Place your faith and hope in Jesus Christ. The Lord is your helper.
Prayer: Jesus, I turn to you again today in faith. You, Lord, are my Helper. Without you, the battle is too overwhelming. I can’t do it on my own. Be my strength and joy, and help me to stand firm. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
