Throughout the Bible, God’s people cry out to the Lord for help for various needs. Today we will look at a quality of God that we can call upon when we are in times of trouble – God our Keeper. Psalm 121 is focused on this facet of God’s nature. God’s people sang this Psalm each year when they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship the Lord in His temple. Jerusalem was surrounded by mountains so trips to the holy city was a strenuous and somewhat dangerous journey. Their hearts were strengthened with courage and hope as they sang. Their melodious declarations of God being their Keeper calmed their fears.
The Psalm begins by telling us the journeymen would look up to the mountains for they saw God’s presence there (see verse 1). In focusing on the majestic mountains, they were reminded that God is the Maker of heaven and earth (verse 2). On various occasions, I have traveled up high mountains. Looking upon the vastness of the terrain always gave me a sense of God’s Almighty power. When you face challenges that seem overwhelming, look to the magnificent creation all around you to be reminded that He can easily take care of whatever you need.
Six times in this Psalm of only eight verses, we are told that God watches over us. “He will not let our foot slip – He who watches over you will not slumber” (verse 4). This references that God would not allow them to fall in such a way that they could not get up again. Though many of us tend towards being too independent at times and doing things our own way in our own strength, God is always attentive and will step in to prevent us from permanent damage to our souls. This reminds me of how I parented my kids when they were teenagers.
“The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night” (verses 5-6). This passage has a metaphorical meaning that God protects us as we journey through physical struggles (the sun) and emotional and psychological struggles (the moon).
Whatever difficulty you are facing; the Lord is your Keeper. He is watching over your life to protect your soul and spirit from all harm. Your help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Take a walk tonight and gaze at the vast expanse of the heavens as God reassures you that He is in control!
Today’s Bible Reading: Psalm 121
By Sue Corl
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