Psalm 121

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”

— Psalm 121

---

My Two Cents….

Another psalm. These past few Mondays have all been from the psalter, the Bible’s hymn section. I turn to the Psalms a lot. As a pastor, when I’m caring for someone in crises or walking alongside someone who is suffering, these ancient songs of faith seem to not only capture the depth of our human struggle but also offer tremendous comfort. The psalmists seem to know just what to say to help us hold on and move forward.

For example, take Psalm 121.

Originally, this Psalm was sung by pilgrims making the dangerous journey to Jerusalem. The treacheous path that ascended to the Holy City was often filled with harm. You had to keep your eye out for ambush and robbers. Look to the hills! Watch for the evil that lives in the shadows of nightmares that come true.

And as you do - remember. Recall that God acts on behalf of a broken, trapped, and weakened people. Allow the sacred memories of Abraham and Moses, Hagar and Naaman, Mandela and Martin Luther King to inspire you. We are never alone. God gives to all those who seek- strength to carry on and fearlessly face unknown futures.

How might we incorporate the assurance of faith in persistently present God into the song of our days? How might we sing songs of ascent and we climb the rough and rocky surfaces that we will face?

In Christ’s Light,

Walt

---

 Permission granted to share today's content with family and friends.  Copyrighted 2019. Walt Lichtenberger