Three times each year the Israelites would travel to Jerusalem for a special time of festival and worship. For those who lived close to Jerusalem this would be an afternoon hike in the mountains. But for many this was a journey that may have lasted several days. There were no interstates, motels, restaurants, or rest stops. As the mountains surrounding Jerusalem loomed larger with each step, so did the dangers that were hidden from view. There were wild animals, robbers and rough terrain. This journey was not a safe one. As the travelers looked up at the formidable landscape around them, they asked where will our help come from, who will protect us.
Psalm 121 powerfully answers this question. You help comes from the Lord!
Six times the Psalmist assures the pilgrims that God is watching over them. God will keep them from stumbling, protect them from the heat and cold, and from the dangers lurking around each turn.
In many ways your life’s journey is like going up to Jerusalem. Your destination is heaven, the place of perfect peace and worship. Like the Israelites before you, there are many dangers and difficulties along the way. Praise God that your help comes from the Lord.
The Lord watches over you for now and forevermore!
I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!
He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.