“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—let Israel now say—if it had not been the Lord who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters.”
—Psalm 124:1-5 ESV

Thinking about “what might have happened” is usually unproductive.

Hypothetical situations are just that: hypothetical. Give them too much space in your thoughts, and you’ll live full of regret.

But here we find the kind of hypothetical situation that leads us to praise.

Take a moment to think about what your life would look like if God had not been on your side in your most difficult moments.

I know that my life would look completely different, and considering a few close calls that I’ve had, I might not even be alive.

Pilgrims would sing these words on their way to Jerusalem to remind them that although the journey was hard, they had much to thank God for.

Take a moment today to ask yourself that question: What would your life look like if the Lord had not been on your side?

You see, God’s presence really does change everything.

Here is a simple prayer to carry with you today:

Inhale: God,
Exhale: Your presence changes everything.