Monday, April 23, 2012
Psalm 121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
PRAISE THE LORD, YOUR ALMIGHTY PROTECTOR
(Note: Devotions this week will be based on psalms from the Songs of Ascent section of the Bible, Psalms 121-134. Readers will benefit from perusing the entire psalm under consideration.)
The key word in this psalm (it occurs six times) is "keep/preserve/watch." The psalmist draws comfort from the Spirit-worked confidence that the Lord is his keeper. He isn't like idol-gods of the world which don't exist, and can't see, hear, or help. He never slumber sleeps, is never off duty. He knows what's happening in our lives at all times and in every place. And since He is the all-powerful Creator of the universe He is eminently qualified to defend us from danger and lend us His aid in every time of need.
The Old Testament people of God derived comfort from this hymn-psalm as they sang it on their way up to Jerusalem for worship. They knew the Lord would shield them from danger as they traveled to their destination and as they made their way back home. But the psalmist had lots more in mind than just a safe journey to and from an earthly city. He was especially thinking about the pilgrimage of believers from the city of this world to the New Jerusalem above. He expressed confidence, born of faith, that Lord would keep close watch over His believing people all through the duration of their sojourn here till the day they arrived at their heavenly home.
Christians of every period of history have found sweet comfort in this assurance. How blessed we are to know the Lord is our mighty protector too. We walk in danger all the way. Many are the pitfalls, snares, and temptations we face along our earthly way which could potentially keep us from reaching our goal. But our Savior-God -- who possesses all power in heaven and on earth -- promises to defend us from peril. He will guide us safely through this world of sin and sorrow "till we safely stand in our fatherland," for His mercy's sake. Praise Him for His goodness!
I walk with Jesus all the way, His guidance never fails me;
Within His wounds I find a stay When Satan's power assails me;
And by His footsteps led, My path I safely tread.
In spite of ills that threaten may, I walk with Jesus all the way.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 413:5)
