If . . .

If . . .

If the LORD had not been on our side . . .

Psalm 124:1

IN WORD Have you ever thought about all the “ifs” of your life? Not your second-guessing, wondering what life would be like if you’d made different choices; that’s pointless. But have you thought about the “ifs” of God? What if He hadn’t spared Noah and family when He flooded the earth? What if He had never delivered Israel from Egypt? What if He had let this rebellious race go its rebellious ways, without ever having intervened or restrained the ravages of sin? What if He had never sent Jesus or raised Him from the dead? Even more personally, what if He had never given you any insight into His plan, had never called you to be His child, had never rescued you from the sinful, decaying conditions around you? In other words, what if He had not been on our side?

It’s a horrifying thought, isn’t it? A fallen world left to its own devices would be a frightening place to be. Just as frightening is the hollow in our own souls. Confronting our lostness, for many of us, was terrifying. And God could have left us in that condition. We’re scarcely aware of the high stakes of eternity at this point, but one day we’ll see: The difference between complete, ecstatic fulfillment and desolate, eternal separation was a gentle gesture of the merciful God. And if that gesture had never been made . . .

The psalmist speaks of raging torrents engulfing Israel and sweeping away its people. It’s a graphic representation of invisible spiritual truths. If God were not a rescuing God, we would be the most pitied creatures in all the universe. Forever.

IN DEED It’s good to think about the “ifs” whenever you start to take life for granted. When that attitude of self-sufficiency, complacency, or pride creeps in, ask those “what if” questions. It will drive you to your knees in gratitude.

While you’re giving thanks, consider this: The “ifs” are true for those who haven’t yet received that gentle, merciful gesture. The “if” that once terrified us may be their reality. Be the gentle gesture of God to someone today.

Is it not wonderful news to believe that salvation lies outside ourselves?

—MARTIN LUTHER