09182021 Stronger and Better

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God who is stronger and better. Stronger and better than what, you ask? Well, than anyone or anything, actually.

The psalmist of Psalm 118 realized this truth during a needy time. Notice his situation. In v. 5, he just called it “distress.” He was surrounded by enemies who hated him. Four times the psalmist says this group of enemies surrounded him (compassed him about – v. 10, v. 11 x2, v. 12); in fact, they surrounded him like a swarm of bees. They pushed him hard (thrust sore at me – v. 13) so that he was at the point of falling. This seems like a large surging crowd that threatens to trample someone under its feet.

What is the psalmist’s response to this oppressive danger? He called out in confidence to God. He believed this truth: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (v. 6). He fully expected God to have the victory over these evil men who were no match for Him.

I believe there are two groups of people over whom the psalmist recognizes God’s superiority. The first is the enemies (“them that hate me” – v. 7). These men will be destroyed with God’s help (vs. 11, 12). God will help him (v. 13). God is his strength, song, and salvation (v. 14). God’s hand was mighty (vs. 15-16). All of this echoes the idea of verse 6 – that God is on his side, and that God is so much more powerful than any enemy. Men pale in significance.

The second group is the friends (“them that help me” – v. 7). The psalmist was not completely alone. He did have others on his side. However, the help of those men was limited. They could not give the kind of victory that God could give. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (vs. 8-9). In the later verses already noted (11-16), it is God who gave the victory, not man. God gives better help than any friend. Do we want human help and support in the midst of trouble? Absolutely. But even if we have that help, it pales in comparison to what God can do.

This psalmist had hope because God was for him. God was far safer and stronger than any man – either those who were attacking or those who desired to help. God was a stronger force and a better refuge. While the following is not my best attempt at poetry, I endeavored to capture this thought.

Meditation on Psalm 118

Surrounded, pushed, and nearly falling.

The enemies in union banding.

Distress results in fervent calling.

 

In time the foes can fight no longer.

Their strength is weak, their power broken.

The power of the LORD is stronger.

 

What source of help can ally set here?

Though help is welcomed, often searched for,

The refuge of the LORD is better.

 

In all that you face, may you find the all-sufficient help of the God who is stronger and better.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA