Had It Not Been Yahweh

If you’ve ever whispered “I wouldn’t be here without God,” this conversation was made for you. We open Psalm 124 like a travel song for the soul, a chorus Israel sang on the road to Jerusalem to prepare their hearts before they ever stepped into the temple. That refrain—had it not been for the Lord—becomes a lens for gratitude that outlasts mood, headlines, and the week’s calendar.

We trace the psalm’s vivid images of threat and deliverance: enemies rising, waters rushing, and then the startling relief of escape like a bird from a snare. From there, we slow down on a crucial line: our help is in the name of the Lord. Name means reputation, the lived record of who God is. Abraham called him provider, Moses banner, David shepherd, Jeremiah righteousness, the sick healer. The many names unveil one character—faithful, present, unchanging. That’s where confidence is born, not in our resolve but in God’s track record.

We also explore God’s self-revelation to Moses—I am who I am—and how that anchors hope across past, present, and future. If God is I AM, then gratitude is more than a reaction to good news; it’s a practiced response to an unchanging character. We bring this home to personal stories of protection after accidents, provision in lean seasons, and quiet mercies that fill ordinary days. As we approach Thanksgiving, we invite you to count the escapes, name the blessings, and let memory prepare your heart before you arrive anywhere to worship.

If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope today, and leave a review with one “But God” moment from your life. Your story might be the reminder someone else needs.