Where do you go when you’re in need of help? Many of us consider our own resources and if they’re not sufficient, then we may look to others who can help. The Psalmist revealed the source of his help in Psalm 121. This is known as a Song of Ascent. Psalms 120–134 were sung by the Israeli pilgrims as they went up to Jerusalem to attend the annual festivals. 

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

The Psalmist made a definite decision to lift his eyes past the mountains and to reflect upon the God who made them. When you’re in a difficult situation what is your default response for help? If we look within we may feel inadequate. If we look around us we may be disappointed. If we look to God however, we can gain His perspective and find rest. The word the Psalmist used for help often referred to military assistance. This word was used frequently in the Psalms in reference to God’s divine intervention. The Psalmist considered God’s reliable character and ability to help:

He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:3-4)

As the pilgrims made their ascent to Jerusalem on the rocky terrain, it was comforting to know that God was concerned about their journey. The Hebrew verb for keep occurs six times in this Psalm, and it conveys the picture of one exercising great care to watch over another. This word has the nuances to keep, preserve, protect and guard. God is our keeper to protect us from the dangers of this world:

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. (Psalm 121:5-6)

These verses point out the comprehensiveness of God’s protection over His people. God is able to keep you by day or by night. These truths would have been especially comforting to those journeying in the heat of the midday sun or in the chill of the night. God’s ability to keep His people knows no limits:

The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.  (Psalm 121:7-8)

We live in a fallen world and it is a comfort to know that whatever type of evil may come your way, that God’s protection is available. God is able to keep your soul. Whether you are going or coming, God is able to guard your way and keep you as His own.

Psalm 121 has been called the traveler’s Psalm. Do you realize that God is able to keep you in any situation?

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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