We need to remember that Psalms 120-134 are the “Pilgrim
Psalms”. They have the title: "A Song of Ascents." These psalms were
compiled together to be used by the Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed from
their hometowns up to Jerusalem as least three times a year to worship. The
pilgrims would sing or recite these songs to remind themselves of what the LORD
had done for them over the centuries and that He was still their “keeper” and
would protect them even on their present journey. These are psalms that we, as
believers, need to keep near to our hearts and minds as we also remember that
our citizenship is in heaven as we are traveling through enemy territory on the
road of life during our brief time on earth!
The theme of Psalm 121 is God's protection over His people.
The word "keeps" (watches over) is used three times and the word
“preserved” is also used three times. Safety is something about which the
pilgrims would be especially concerned as they journeyed on the roads through
the hill country. A pilgrim could stumble and hurt himself, or someone might
suffer sunstroke, or a chilly night of camping out might give somebody a bad
cold. There was always the possibility of robbers swooping down. But the
message of the psalm applies to God's pilgrims today and gives us the
assurances we need as we journey in this life.
In verses 1-2, we are reminded that our “Father's Creation
Is before us". The opening line possibly could be used to ask the
question, “Will I look up to the hills to find my help?” The apostate Jews,
like the pagans around them worshiped other gods at the shrines in the "high
places" in the hills (2 Kings 16:4; Jer. 3:23; 13:27; 17:2; Hos. 4:11-13).
But this psalmist basically answered his own question with: “No, I’m going to
look beyond the hills to the God who made the hills and also the heaven and the
earth!” If Jehovah created the heavens and the earth, then He is a God of
power, wisdom, and glory, and we have nothing to fear. Satan and his demonic
army may be at work opposing the saints, but this is still our Father's world.
When the travelers caught sight of Jerusalem, situated on
the mountains (87:1; 125:1-2; 133:3), they knew that God dwelt there in His
sanctuary and provided the help they needed (3:4; 20:2; 46:1; 124:8; 134:3; 1
Kings 8:29-53). Everything in the heavens and on the earth, bears witness to
the great Creator who is also our heavenly Father, so why should we fear?
In verses 3-4, we need to remember that our "Father's eyes
are upon us". The word translated "moved" means "to slip
and slide, to stagger, to be shaken." How easy it would be to sprain an
ankle or even fall and break a bone while walking on uneven rocky paths. The
Lord is concerned about our feet and our walk. "Keep" or “preserve” means
"to guard and protect". Even while we sleep, God watches over us
because He does not go to sleep.
In verse 5-6, we assured ourselves that our Father is not
only on the throne looking down on us, but He is at our side to shield us from
all harm. This does not mean that obedient believers never find themselves in
difficulty or danger, or that they will never feel physical and emotional pain.
The things that God permits to happen to us in His will may hurt us, but they
will not harm us. Whether by day or by night, in heat or cold, whatever the
changes might be, the Father's presence provides all that we need. We need not
be afraid of sudden attacks that can come in the day or the night, for "the
shadow of the Almighty" covers us (Ps. 91).
Finally in verses 7-8, we can take comfort, and need not
fear life or death, today or tomorrow, time or eternity, for we are in the
loving care of the Father. "All evil" means anything that could harm
us, but in His grace, He turns into good the things we think are evil (Genesis
50:20; Romans 8:28). He “preserves us forever”!
Today, look up to your Creator God and remember, “The LORD
is my keeper”!
God bless!
