I Lift Up My Eyes

Ps. 121:1-2

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made the heaven and earth."

The psalmist lifts his eyes to the hills. Perhaps he is looking for an attack or for enemies lodged there for an ambush as he journeys to Jerusalem for worship. But whatever is there, his fear is consumed by his spiritual relationship with God. He knows personally that his help comes from the Creator of the universe. His personal relationship with God has shown him certain things about his great God. First, he knows that God doesn't slumber but is ever watchful of who is in the hills. He even knows their plan and exactly what needs to be done to protect the psalmist. Secondly, He is the psalmist's keeper and the shade on his right hand. He not only protects from the scorching sun and the chilling moon, but from the enemies that attack during the day and the night. Thirdly, the Lord will keep the psalmist from evil and protect his quality of life, especially the evil in those who pursue and seek to destroy his life. Finally, the Lord will keep his going in and going out today and forever. Such assurance as this comes only from intimacy with God! 

This psalm also uses a single word repeatedly, keep or keeper. He keeps you, He keeps Israel, He is your Keeper, He keeps you from evil, He keeps your life, and He keeps your going in and going out.... God's watchful care and constant guard characterizes his relationship with the psalmist. The psalmist knows he will not be lost or misplaced because the Keeper of the universe is his personal keeper. How safe and secure it is to rest in the care of the Creator, in the purposes of the sovereign Planner, and in the promises of the faithful Word. 

Father,

Thank You for being my keeper. Help me not to forget You when I begin to  fear what is in the hills. Give me Your grace and strength to rest completely in Your plan and promises.

In Jesus name,

Amen