Psalm 121
True safety is from God alone. His protecting care is
portrayed in attractive colors. May they win us to place all confidence in
Him!
1-2. "I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where
comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
The pious child of Israel turned in devotion to the hill
on which the Temple stood. He saw in it a type of Jehovah's presence. The
lesson is here taught that all protection comes directly from our Heavenly
Father. With confidence let us uplift our eyes to Him. He is the fountain of
all grace. He, whose omnipotent word called heaven and earth into existence,
can by the same word make all providences to promote His people's good.
3-4. "He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who
keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither
slumber nor sleep."
The believer often moves on slippery ground. Various
enemies, also, dash against him. Left to himself, how quickly will he fall!
But the Lord upholds him, so he stands as a rock against the lashing
billows. The care which preserves him never relaxes its watchful
guardianship. The eyes of the Lord, through day and night, from the opening
to the closing of the year, are fixed immovably on His waiting people.
5-6. "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade
upon your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by
night."
Volumes are contained in the words, The Lord is your
keeper. It is re-echoed by the Apostle—We are kept by the power of God
through faith unto eternal life. They are indeed securely kept who are
encircled by their omnipotent God. In their Zionward march they are exposed
to scorching rays. But as the pillar of cloud spread sweet refreshment over
Israel's hosts, so the Lord wards off the adversary's piercing darts. To His
people He is as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
7. "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He
shall preserve your soul."
All strength and joy are included in the promise that God
shall preserve us from all evil. The believer may exult in the assurance
that all the assaults of Satan and the powers of darkness shall inflict no
deadly wound. The soul shall live unharmed. It shall be brought in safety to
the heavenly home.
8. "The Lord shall preserve your going out, and your
coming in, from this time forth, and even forevermore."
The pilgrimage may seem tedious. We may have many
changes. We may be emptied from vessel to vessel. But final rest is secured.
Through God's protection, heaven shall be attained. Let us lift up our heads
with joy, and shout thanksgivings.