I’m not much of a poet, but Psalm 124 provides a template that even I can follow in writing a personal expression of praise.
If the Lord had not been on our side—
let Israel say—
2 if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the Lord,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the Name of the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
The first two verses begin, “If the Lord had not been…if the Lord had not been…” The stage is set for the harmful consequences for us without God’s intervention.
Verses 3, 4 and 5 tell what might have happened to us: “they would have…it would have…it would have…they would have…” We clearly see how badly things would have turned out.
Verses 6 and 7 describe the results of God’s protection of us: “He has not…we have…it has been…we have…” We express gratitude for what God has done.
When you have time for uninterrupted reflection fill in the blanks with an example from your life: “If not for the Lord…it would have…they would have…instead, he has…so I have…”
“Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” v. 8
How would you fill in the blanks?
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.