From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me.

Psalm 129:2 NLT

Growth can be grueling . . . yet, as we go through the process, God’s presence gives us grace. As He proves Himself, we find peace and purpose in our problems and pressures. During these days, God always reveals His passion for us, His power to rescue us and His purpose as to deliver of our souls.

Psalm 129 records an anthology of assistance from the Almighty. The psalmist testified that God hears the cries of those who place their trust in Him.

In Our Struggle, We Find Steadfastness.

The psalmist recalled, “From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me.” (Ps‬ ‭129:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬). The writer defined a lifelong struggle of adversity. It isn’t just once in a while . . . it’s all the time. In unending conflicts, he finds utmost confidence in his Creator. Robert Nesbit asked the question, “What so frequently and effectually shows the necessity of piety as the sharp teachings of affliction?” Faith is forged in fighting against our flesh.

In Our Wounds, We Find Worship.

The psalmist wrote, “My back is covered with cuts, as if a farmer had plowed long furrows. But the LORD is good; he has cut me free from the ropes of the ungodly.” (Ps‬ ‭129:3-4 NLT‬). Sixteenth century theologian Jeremy Taylor related, “God fails not to sow blessings in the furrows, which the plowers plow upon the back of the church.” Even in our times of burden, there is tremendous blessing. Matthew Henry reminded, “The enemies’ power has been broken; God has cut asunder the cords of the wicked, has cut their gears, their traces, and so spoiled their ploughing; has cut their scourges, and so spoiled their lashing; has cut the bands of union, by which they were combined together; he has cut the bands of captivity, in which they held God’s people.” We are no longer victims . . . we are victorious. The Son sets us free.

In Our Grief, We Find Grace.

The psalmist declared, “May all who hate Jerusalem be turned back in shameful defeat.” (Ps‬ ‭129:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬). God always has a way of “showing up” and “shoring up”. Our enemies are turned back (Ps 129:5), they will not prosper (Ps 129:6-7), and will not be blessed (Ps 129:8). As God’s children, we receive His grace for our eternity, as well as our everyday. Paul reminded of God’s grace through his own his personal torment, “Each time He said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2 Cor ‭12:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Two years before his death, Eugene M. Bartlett wrote a beloved hymn of believers. The chorus reminds us of our triumph in Truth.

“O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him, And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.”

Be steadfast. Worship. Walk in grace . . . it is always enough.

It’s victory time in Jesus.