The Psalmist sings that if God had not been on their side, they would have perished. (Psalm 124:1) He describes it with five poetic metaphors. (Psalm 124:3-7) There are threats, troubles, temptations, and tribulations that await the people of God. Amazingly, God protects His people from the troubles they perceive and many more that they do not realise or recognise. Yet, God is merciful, favourable, and gracious to protect His people from all destructive attacks of Satan.
Swallowed: The enemies would have loved to swallow alive or devour the people of God. Satan can also be described as a toothless lion who wishes to swallow the victims. (I Peter 5:8) The lion roars and also roams around to threaten his people. When resisted, Satan will flee from His saints. (James 4:7)
Overwhelmed: Another tactic is to overwhelm the saints of God. Giving them stress, worry, anxiety, helplessness, discouragement and hopelessness. God’s Work faces stiff opposition from Satan and his demons. Hence, emotional stress and turmoil could overwhelm a person.
Swept away: Flash floods could wash away cities in a few seconds. Satan desires to make saints be swept away by busyness, deviations, distractions, vain pursuits, and unwarranted desires. However, God is gracious to protect His saints, provided the people of God listen to His voice.
Ground to powder: Satan also engineer temptations and troubles, and gets permission from God to oppress the saints of God. Satan got permission from God to attack Job, the righteous. He tried to grind him to powder with his gnashing teeth; however, he failed miserably. The immense suffering Job went through was like being ground to powder. God strengthened him to overcome all troubles and be victorious.
Captured: Satan is like a hunter or fowler who lays traps or snares to capture people of God. He plants landmines that, when stepped on, could explode. Those who do not listen to the Word of God, the Wisdom of the Lord, will fall prey to the snares kept by a fowler, the Satan. (Proverbs 1:17)
Do I realise God’s mighty hands that protect me?