Psalm 121 "Declaration"

Psalm 121

Declaration

Southerners sometimes use the phrase, "I do declare!" or "Well, I declare!"  It doesn't always mean that the person has something to declare, or is taken back by something, but it sometimes is used to affirm something that has just been said or done. In the next Psalm of Ascent the pilgrim is reaffirming God's protection over his life as he is on the road, traveling toward Jerusalem. As we move to a higher place in God, we need to remember and reaffirm God's protection over our lives. 

Let's take a closer look at this second Psalm of Ascent 121. The traveler is walking on the road and he lifts his head and sees the hills. The hills were a threat because they never knew what enemy might be hiding and watching. Like when Balak wanted Balaam to curse God's people (Num 22:41). The hills were also the places where idol worship was done. So as the traveler looks up to the hills, thinks about the danger that may be there and asks the question, "Where does my help come from?" Then in verse 2 the declaration is made that help comes from the God who made those hills and is greater than and above those hills. Col 1:16-17. When you decide to draw closer to God and seek Him, you will encounter intimidation along the way. Remember to take your eyes off yourself and what's around you and focus on God's promise to help you. Ps 46;1

Now the traveler no longer looks at what's around him, but at what's beneath him. On the road to the high place there were slippery areas, rocks or debris that could make a person trip. But God is not going to let the traveler slip and fall and He won't let you fall either. It's like a child holding its parent's hand as he walks or crosses the street. The child's grip on the parent may be weak, but the parent's grip on the child is strong, and even if the child happens to stumble on something, he won't fall all the way to the ground because the parent has a good grip on him. That's the way we are in God's hands (Jude 1:24-25). God always has a good grip on us even when our own grip on Him may be weak. 

The traveler starts to focus on his physical needs and may decide to take a short nap after his lunch on the road, but there is no need to worry because God doesn't need a nap. (Ps 121:4). Has your mind ever raced from one thought to another, so that you could not fall asleep? God is constantly thinking about you. Ps 139:17-18. If you've ever tried to count the grains of sand in a teaspoon, it's impossible to imagine the number of every grain of sand on the beach. That's how much God thinks about you. He is not just thinking about His people in general, but about you personally. That alone ought to put our minds at ease and give us rest. Ps 33:18. God doesn't close His eyes for a mid-afternoon nap or a good night rest. He is always watching over you. 

Now, shifting his thoughts from his physical needs, the traveler begins to focus on his own human frailty being out in the open. you may have heard the expression, "I've got your back" or I've got you covered." This is the meaning of verse 5. The term shade means a defense. When shields and swords were used for defense, the shield was usually carried in the left hand while the sword was used on the right hand, this made the right side of the body vulnerable to jabs and piercing from other swords and arrows. Ps 109:31. In the areas of your life where you know you are most vulnerable to attack or to falling, God's got you covered. Ps 16:8

The traveler has lifted his eyes from the ground, himself, the hills, and begins to look in the sky where the sun and moon shine. (Ps 121:6-7) Now he declares, "I don't need to be afraid of a heat stroke while the sun beats down." There are times in our own lives when we being to feel the heat of difficulties. What ever heat, for trials, or temptations you might be going through, God is not going to allow them to destroy you. 

People used to believe that the full moon caused insanity; thus, the term "lunatic". Today, people still believe in lunar effects. You may have heard that the full moon has an effect on human behavior and it brings out the worst in people. Well, just in case you believe that, God is reminding you not to worry. You're not going to go crazy, even if pressures make you feel like you might. He will preserve your soul and your mind. (2Tim 1:7)

Finally, the pilgrim is no longer focusing on what's around, above, and beneath him, nor is he focused on himself, but his mind is steadfast on God and free from worry and fear. (Ps 121:8) As you go out doing your daily activities and as you come back, God is there to preserve your soul. Sometimes you  may even wander out of God's will for a while. In His mercy, God is still there preserving you from total destruction and pulling you back towards Him. Our minds can be at ease. God will not g

ive up on us, or abandon us. We too can declare, "He is always with us." Matt 28:20

Questions:

1. Name some of the fears people have today?

2. What things caused fear for the Psalmist? What things can cause a Christian to fear today?

3. How can being a Christian help us with our fears? What advise would you give someone who is fearful about something?

4. What does Psalm 121 teach you about yourself and about God?