The Great Guardian – Susan Ferguson I lift up my eyes to the mountains-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2 NIV)
Psalm 121 is called a Song of Ascents, a psalm sung by the Jewish pilgrims as they traveled up into the hills and mountains of Jerusalem for the annual feasts. It was a long and difficult journey, and the pilgrims had to endure hot days and cold nights, rough terrain, and the threat of thieves and wild animals. Aware of the danger, the psalmist lifted his eyes unto the hills, then turned his attention to the Creator of those hills, and said, “My help comes from God.”
Psalm 121:3-8 tells of God’s vigilant watch over the pilgrims. The psalmist assures them that God never slumbers nor sleeps and will not allow their feet to slip. The psalmist declares that the great Guardian will extend His care and protection to them for the rest of their lives.
In our world today, there are many troubles, and the psalmist is not saying God’s children will never encounter them. Rather, He has promised to accompany us, strengthen us, and sustain us through them. (Psalm 55:22) We are reminded that God is bigger than the troubles of the world, and there is nothing that takes Him by surprise. Psalm 121 invites us to look beyond heaven and earth and to trust in the Creator of it all, who has the power to watch over our lives and to keep us in His care.
Heavenly Father, thank You for standing guard over our lives, for being our helper and our provider, and for sustaining us through our trials. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Today’s freelance writer lives in Madison, MS, USA. Contact |