"Some examples?" you say. Sure. In one Psalm we hear of the utter rejection and enmity of a close friend (see Psalm 55), who among the readership can't identify with that? In another we are exposed to some folks who are at their wit's end (see Psalm 107), an all too familiar feel for those who are taxed to the breaking point in their mental state. Finally, among the most familiar Psalms is the 23rd where we see a sheep lying down. Any good shepherd will let you know that is the result of being satisfied or full.
Today and tomorrow we will look at Psalm 121, my personal favorite (ask me why in an email or comment below). Psalm 121 was written to be sung by Israelites as they ascended to Jerusalem to celebrate any number of the annual festivals God ordained. Jerusalem is uphill from nearly every location in those days and so it mimics something for our lives as well.
As the Psalm progresses it becomes clear that the journey to Jerusalem is also referring to the journey of one's life toward God. It was meant to be sung in the last watch of the night when the sense of danger and vulnerability were highest, hence the need for assurance. Just as our destination is secure, so also is each step when the LORD of all is directing you...
Over and over, 6x to be precise, the Hebrew word for "keep" is used. Each use builds the case for ways a Shepherd KEEPS His flock both individually and corporately.
Ask yourself, "Where does my help come from on the journey of my life?" What do I turn to and rely on for peace, security, comfort, and assurance that all is well?
Psalm 121:1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?" This asks the basic question, "Where in the world will I receive my help? Where is it coming from?" This is somewhat of a rhetorical question because he answers it himself in the very next verse. Psalm 12:2 "My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
In terms of authority and assurance, we often go the the creator of something. For example, we may look to the artist of a particular piece to impart the meaning he/she intended when the work was created or consult the user manual of a toaster by the creating manufacturer. In the same way the writer here is saying, "God you made EVERYTHING, surely the pilgrimage of my life does not escape your loving attention; you will help. You WILL KEEP me."
On a journey we may experience many things for which we do not currently have the arsenal to deal with. Think of things right now. Who prepared for this? This is where the Psalms are wonderfully comforting. God's KEEPING of you on your journey is made possible by the Spirit He placed inside you upon salvation. He will never leave or forsake you... more specifically, Psalm 121:3-8 will outline three ways he KEEPS us and we will look at those tomorrow.
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