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Psalm 121

This is a "song of ascents" - a song to be sung as the people were ascending Mt. Zion to the temple.  It was a song that would be particularly appropriate in time of war – particularly at a time when Israelites were considering the possibility of defeat and even  enslavement. This verse may be expressing that concern.  It could even be a cry of desperation, though it's often read today as a mere  statement of faith.  Nevertheless, paraphrased, it's saying, "I'm looking for help - even up to the hills!  And, in fact, where is my help going to come from?"

But the rest of the song is a reassuring answer to that cry. It begins with an overwhelming cry of confidence as the people sing, "My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth!"  Help for the covenant people won't come from the hills, but it can and will come from Him Who made those hills!

These people know, too, that their God NEVER ignores them when they cry to Him!  He's not like human helpers who become tired and sleepy because of so many complaints!  In fact, God is EVER vigilant for them.  They can confidently say, "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!"  He's the One they can count on ALL the time!

In fact, the infinite God is SO great that He cares even for the smallest of His people's concerns - even the ones they themselves hardly notice.  The song impresses that fact upon the people when they sing, "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!"  Oh the blessed faithfulness of the covenant God!

Carried - as it should be - to its ultimate extreme, this means that God is carefully watching every one of His people's lives at every instant.  It means, as the song says, that "the Lord preserves you from ALL evil - He shall preserve your soul!"  Such a wonderful fact doesn't mean that there will never be any trouble in their lives, but it means that no ultimate harm can come from it - the souls of God's people will be preserved even through evil.

Finally, summarizing the preserving grace of Jehovah, the people sing, "The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore!"  Whether the people go out to battle or return from battle - they are in the preserving hand of God.  And they ALWAYS will be.

It's no different today.  Christ's church - including each and every member - does not have to raise her eyes to the hills looking for help.  Her help - your help - is now and always will be from the Lord Who made heaven and earth!  The same power that created and preserves the vast universe preserves the people of God, both individually and collectively!  Oh dear people of God - trust Him Who cares even more than you do about every minutest aspect of your lives!

Pastor,

This Psalm was the favourite of our Queen Mother who died recently and it was read at her funeral.  She recited it each night before bed.I love it too.

The Lord knows how very many times I recite the first verse to myself in times of trouble., also whenever I am afraid "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in Jennifer"...comes often to mind.

Thank you.
Jenny.

Oh how good, gracious, merciful, and loving is the Lord to tell us so personally that He alone is our Keeper!
I can't imagine a better psalm to be loved by a monarch and those around them than this one.