The
LORD is your keeper…. (Psalm
121:5)
God’s children are His special treasure. He guards His gems. Peter says we are, “kept by the power of God…” (1 Pet.1:5). Recently, I saw a quote from Pastor John
MacArthur that underscored this, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.” God is our Keeper and that is good news! It is also the theme of Psalm 121.
The Psalmist points to THE SOURCE OF HELP
(v.1-2). Look to Him. When we look around us, we see nothing but
problems. When we look within us, we see
nothing but inadequacy—or foolishly arrogant self-sufficiency. When we look above us, we find a God mighty
to save! As the author would climb the
hills to Jerusalem, at last on Mt. Zion, he would reach the Temple where dwelt
the glory of God. Surely the One who
called into existence the universe by the sheer power of His spoken word can
help us—no matter the seeming enormity of our need!
We can know THE STABILITY OF HEAVEN (v.3a). Stand on Him.
There are many slippery paths.
There are stones aplenty to stumble over. A fall can be disastrous. Yet, our steps can be steadfast, for God
steadies us. He is the Rock—our firm
foundation.
We are comforted by THE SLEEPLESSNESS OF YAHWEH
(v.3b-4). Rest in Him. Why should I stay awake at night—tossing and
turning with a mind filled with anxiety?
God stays awake, watching over me, so there is no point in both of us
being up! I think of a loving parent,
rising in the darkness to look into an infant’s cradle, making sure the baby is
alright. That is what our Heavenly
Father does for us. “Now, I lay me down
to sleep; I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.
We are given THE SHELTER OF GOD (v.5-6). Run to Him.
The sun’s light need not scorch us by day. The moon’s beams need not keep us awake by
night. He is the shelter we can find—twenty-four
hours, through all the days of our life.
The sun and moon are symbolic for one day—and thus, we have all day
protection. The right hand is mentioned,
representing human need. God fills that
empty hand with His provision.
We trust in THE SECURITY
OF SALVATION (v.7-8). Trust in Him. No evil can destroy the child of God. That does not mean we are exempt from pain—even
our body may become sick and death can come.
True harm to the real you is not a threat, however, if you know Christ.
Our soul will be preserved. No power on
earth or scheme of hell can touch the real man or woman we are—our redeemed
soul—that dwells in this house of clay.
Actually, the body also will be ultimately preserved, raised in a
glorified state in the resurrection.
When I leave home in the morning, God travels with me. When I arrive home in the evening, He has
been with me. At last, at the end of
life’s journey, God will usher me into eternity where I will abide in His presence
forevermore!
Now
may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole
spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (1
Thess.5:23)
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