Psalm 121 is one of the most reaffirming portions of Bible truth in Scripture. If you feel vulnerable, alone, and needing the assurance of God’s protective care, this Psalm of David will quiet your heart.
David begins by clearly establishing his source of protection – and it wasn’t in armies, guns, bunkers or bodyguards. He said, my protection “…will come from the Lord, who created the heavens and the earth.” (v:2) What higher or more powerful and reliable source is there than the God who created everything. He has given us his word that He will protect his people.
David highlighted three qualities of God’s protective care that brought him great comfort.
1. Our Protector won’t go to sleep on the job. (v:3-4) In theological college, I was given the assignment of Night Watchman every Wednesday. By taking on this responsibility I was able to get a financial break on my tuition. One Wednesday night I could hardly keep my eyes open. After fighting it for an hour or two, I decided to slip off to my dorm room to lie down “just for a wee rest.” Maybe that would take the edge off my sleepiness. Regretfully on that same night, the fire alarm went off and I found myself being aggressively aroused from a deep sleep by a colleague. Everyone I was supposed to be protecting were already out of the building shivering in the late night air, standing anxiously in the parking lot amid fire trucks, flashing lights and waiting for firemen. Fortunately – it was a false alarm otherwise the entire student body could have been in jeopardy! God has promised not even to take a “wee rest” but to remain faithfully on watch over our lives.
He is always on the job and will not go to sleep, leaving us vulnerable to the attacks of our enemy. “Our protector doesn’t even nod off or get drowsy.”
2. Our Protector remains by our side day and night. (v:5-6) He is watching over us and attentive to every concern we may have; touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and shielding us from temptations that could overwhelm us. (I Cor. 10:13)
3. Our Protector keeps us safe from all dangers. (v:7) There are times when we take it upon ourselves to run from our problems. If that is all we do – we are left with only one choice – to keep running. But God’s solution is different. He offers us protection and a unique form of rest right in the middle of the storm – right in the middle of the threats and burdens. It’s there we discover that God is our Rock and Refuge – right in the thick of our needs. “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NLT)
David punctuates the Psalm with this reassuring truth. “The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go.” (v:8)
Possibly you find yourself in a situation where you need to hear those reassuring words again to meet the challenges you are facing. Your Almighty Protector-God will not go to sleep or even doze. He has promised to remain by your side day and night – today and always – to keep you safe from all danger.
“Let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” (Psalm 5:11 NIV)
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
