Martin Luther on Psalms 124:4

Verſe 4. Then the Waters had drowned us, and the ſtream had gone over our ſoul. Terrible is the rage of fire, but much more terrible is the violence and rage of water, for that no power can reſiſt. Now, ſaith David, like as huge and mighty floods of water carried with great power and violence, do ſuddenly overthrow and bear down whatſoever they meet withall: even ſuch is the rage of the enemies of Gods Church, which no power of man is able to withſtand. Therefore let us learn to truſt to the Lords defence and ſuccour. For what elſe is the Church, but as a little boat tyed by a River fide, and by violence of the water ſoon carried away? Or as a Reed which by force of the ſtream is eaſily plucked up and carried away? Such was the people of Iſrael in Davids time, being compared to the Gentiles round about them. Such is the Church likewiſe at this day, compared to the adverſaries. Such is every one of us in reſpect of the force and power of the malignant ſpirit. We are like a Reed which is eaſily plucked up: and he like a raging flood which with great might and violence overthroweth and carrieth away all things. We are like a withered leaf, ſoon blown from the tree; and he like a mighty wind or tempeſt, not onely blowing down leaves, but plucking up and overthrowing trees and all. What are we then poor wretches able to do of our own power and ſtrength for our defence? We muſt learn therefore by faith wholly to reſt upon the word. For what is our victory but even our faith? Albeit that armour and munitions have their place, yet can they nothing help at all, unleſs we have a truſt and affiance in the Lord, who hath promiſed to be our God, our ſtrength, and our defence: whoſe power is ſuch, whoſe mighty arm alſo is ſtretched out for the defence of his, that albeit never ſo great a tempeſt or violent rage of water ſhould invade the pooreſt and ſimpleſt cottage that can be, it forceth not. Let this be then our aſſured truſt, let this be the rock of our ſafety, help and ſuccour, that God will be our defender and keeper, that the great floods and mighty waters carry us not away. This ſure defence and mighty protection of our God, the wicked neither know nor believe; for they attribute all their ſucceſs and welfare to their own ſtrength, wiſdom, and riches. But Solomon, albeit he was a King abundantly endued with all theſe things, yet ſaith he: Except the Lord build the houſe, the builders labour in vain: Except the Lord keep the City, they watch in vain that keep it.