If we are getting ready to go away on vacation this summer, we might ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye on the house. We’ll lock the doors before we leave, and maybe put some things from the porch or carport inside for safe keeping. Safety and security are common concerns. We long for protection.

The Psalmist echoed this desire that also existed in ancient Israel in the words of a question:

Psalm 121:1

I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?

The question was then answered with a reflection on God’s care:

Psalm 121:2

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

I love how the Psalmist then recounts the extent of God’s protective care. The Lord will not slumber or sleep. (That’s good, because the nighttime is when I often feel the least secure.) The Lord will protect me from the forces of nature, being a shade from the sun. The Lord will protect us from evil, and the Lord will keep our very lives.

And it ends beyond where I can even worry for today:

Psalm 121:8

The Lord will keep our going out and our coming in from this time forth, and forever more.

With God watching over me, I feel pretty secure.

Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And I trust your care in the daytime too. Thank you for protecting me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.