1. If the Lord had not been on our side (1-5)

We live in a world in rebellion against God, and God's people are not exempt from suffering. But when God's people call on him for mercy, he always answers. He is on the side of his people who put their trust in him. We should neither look for nor expect any mercy from the world or from worldly people, but we may be sure that the Lord is on our side (See Ge 26:3).

2. The snare has been broken (6-8)

God broke the snare and delivered his people from their oppressors (Jdg 6:7). By the hand of Cyrus the Persian, he delivered them from Babylonian captivity (2Ch 36:22, 23). Satan is always busy laying traps for God's people; he seeks to ensnare us with fear and doubt, and hold us as his slaves. But our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He is the God who raised Jesus from the dead.

Application: Lord, you have delivered us from the power of sin, and from death. Praise the Lord our Maker.
One Word: The snare has been broken