Psalm 121 - A song of ascents. NIV
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 Lordwatches over you—
the Lordis your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lordwill keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lordwill watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
Devotional from Helen Warnock
In the Warnock household, for as long as I can remember, when we are about to go on holidays or a big journey, we gather at the front door. We stand in a circle, arms inter-locked and Dad prays for the journey. This tradition started when I was a child and even now, when I am at Mum and Dad’s and when it’s time to leave, we gather at the front door, stand in a tight circle and Dad will pray. Dad prays not just for the journey, but he also prays for each of us. He prays a blessing. He invites God in.
Before us today we have this beautiful Psalm - Psalm 121. It isn’t the Psalm of a few folk huddled at a front door, but rather a Psalm probably associated with the journey the Israelites would have made to Jerusalem. A song sung on the way to Jerusalem or perhaps even on the way back. A song sung not out of knowledge of the journey but out of knowledge of the One they sing of. A song of two parts - two different voices, the first voice declaring a trust in God and the second voice promising provision.
As you read or listen to this Psalm today, take some time to acknowledge the journey you are on and invite God in. Talk with Him about what is happening in your life at the moment and how you feel about the future. Sometimes as we journey through life, we can feel isolated or disconnected. This Psalm reminds us He is present, and He is trustworthy. In fact, can I gently ask - do you know He is with you? God isn’t engaging in some elaborate game of hide and seek; as the psalmist simply says - just look up. As you read or listen to this Psalm today, take some time to look up and invite God in and just like the Israelites in this Psalm, acknowledge His presence and His provision.
Prayer
Lord, ever watchful and faithful,
we look to you to be our defence
and we lift our hearts to know your help;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(The prayer is taken from Common Worship: Daily Prayer copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2005 and published by Church House Publishing.)
Helen is the Principal of Belfast Bible College and part of the leadership team at her local church. She loves Northern Ireland and believes watching films is time well spent. Helen lives in East Belfast, sharing her house with her wee dog Mollie; a Bichon Cavalier cross who loves everyone and could play fetch all day long.