Keeping Watch
Opening Prayer
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psa. 121:1,2).
Read Psalm 121
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Having loved ones outside the realm of our protection is always hard—who will keep them safe? Our psalm tells us the answer.The psalmist, as a pilgrim, has set off on his journey. He looks to the hills ahead of him. Will they be a place of security or a hideout for robbers to attack him? Whether we are concerned for ourselves, a member of the family or a friend, we want to know that protection rather than danger lies ahead and that we will be safe. In just eight verses we are assured five times that the Lord watches over us.
When “you” and “your” are mentioned it means you personally! He is our Creator (2); he is on duty 24 hours every day—he won’t fall asleep (3,4). He will protect us from physical harm during the day and mental danger at night (5,6). Wherever we are and whatever stage of life we have reached, the Lord will watch over our lives and keep us from all harm. We are not being promised a very cushioned and comfortable life but a very well-armed and protected one (7,8). What a wonderful promise to claim as we face another demanding week!
Apply
Any time you pass a hill today, repeat verses 1 and 2 to yourself as a promise and reminder.
Closing prayer
Loving Lord, please keep my family safe and free from harm. Thank You for watching over our coming and going.
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