A Song for The Wilderness
“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.” - Psalm 121:1–8 (ESV)
Psalm 121 is a Pilgrim Psalm.
While journeying to Jerusalem for festive occasions, people would sing or recite the words of the Psalm as they ascended Mount Zion to enter Jerusalem to worship God in the temple.
The words of the Psalmist are significant, reminding travelers that their destination is worth the journey. Although there are obstacles to overcome and wildernesses to cross, these words inspire hope and rekindle joy for fearful hearts and discouraged spirits.
Psalm 121 is still worth singing and reciting!
In many ways, we face barriers and feel our environment is more like a wilderness than a paradise. Our Jerusalem—the City of God—still seems too distant. The journey is taxing, and we’re tired and weary—and at times, we feel too weak to continue.
As the Psalmist contemplates his journey, he remembers where his help comes from and affirms his faith in the One who created heaven and earth. “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (vs. 2).
Despite the Psalmist’s challenges, hardships, and enemies, his reflection on God’s faithfulness reminds him of how God consistently cares for him. While it’s essential for him to recall God’s faithfulness, he also desires that others know this truth.
In verses 3-8, the wording changes from singular to plural—from “I” and “my” to “you” and “your.” The shift from a personal to a collective understanding is essential to inspire confidence when in the wilderness. “He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber” (verse 3, italics mine).
The author’s words move from a personal assurance to a priestly declaration, directing our focus to the One True Source of help. The Psalmist’s words penned during Israel’s conquest of Canaan (approximately in the 5th Century) are still worth singing!
Although our world looks radically different, Yahweh is still our protection. Jehovah is our deliverer. God continues to watch over His own (vv. 5, 7-8).
In our wilderness of political confusion, turmoil, and strife, Psalm 121 reassures us that the Lord always protects the pilgrim. He is the Keeper of Israel (verse 4). In vivid imagery, the Psalmist allows us to see God as our keeper.
“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night” (vv. 5-6).
Alan Ross writes: “The sun and the moon stand for dangers that occur in the day and in the night.”1 However, the Psalmist reminds us that God offers us shade from a scorching sun and watches over us day and night.
Are you concerned about the future of our country? Are you faced with obstacles too significant for you to solve?
Allow Psalm 121 to remind you of your True Source of help, inspire hope, subside your fears, rekindle your joy, and encourage you to continue your journey forward through your wilderness.
1 Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 883.
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