Inspired by . . . A Season in Scripture IV

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psa 121:1-8)

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite psalms. The idea of looking, physically seeking help from the Lord, is a powerful attitude. The true and only help we really need is fulfilled in the salvation that only He offers. 

Salvation. Being saved from the penalty of my actions. The penalty of death.

Wow, that sounds a lot like personal accountability. My wrong actions have a penalty. That penalty is death. 

Not death as in the end of this life.

But death as in eternal death. Separation from God.

You think you are separated from God now. But that is not so. The worst of this life doesn't begin to compare to the reality of eternal death.

Only Jesus can guard us against this death.

Only His life, His death, His blood can protect us.

Only He, as One Who suffered, as One Who was tempted as we are but did not sin, can take unto HImself the penalty we have earned.

This is the promise of Psalm 121. This is the HOPE of Christmas.

The promise of help from an all-sufficient, all-powerful God. Jesus is the promised Help.

The promise of protection. Jesus is the promised Protector. He intercedes for us at the right-hand of God.

The promise of surety against temptation. Jesus is the promised Guardian. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability. (1Co_10:13)

The promise of eternal salvation. Jesus is our Savior.

Shalom,

The entire series:
A Season in Scripture I
A Season in Scripture II
A Season in Scripture III

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Inspired by . . . the Maker of heaven and earth

Growing up in Vermont, I was well acquainted with hills and mountains. Mt. Washington, the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi river, could be clearly seen from our front porch. Our farm is situated just north of the area pictured below.

Spring time in Peacham with Mt. Washington in the distance by john knox

The hills brought beauty to our lives, and a sense of protection. Nestled in their bosom, I grew and thrived.

A couple of years ago, the Dreamer and I took a trip to Colorado. The Rocky Mountains took my breath, and my heart. Unlike the gentle protectors of my youth, these strong sentinels stand fierce and bold, even when adorned in their soft golden coats of autumn.

A Song of Ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 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. The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psa 121:1-8)

It's easy to look toward a mountain, or fortress, or even to men for our protection. But Psalm 121 reminds us that we must look beyond these earthly things. Our help comes from the Creator, not the creation.

Here is a blessed reminder to rely on, and trust in, the promises of God. The help we receive is bound up in His power and goodness, His providence and grace. As children of God we should lift our eyes to Him, expecting to receive as He has promised.

It is the Lord, Himself, Who is our keeper, and our protector. He shades us from every foe, whether sun or moon. For sometimes the things we think are good for us, He knows are not. So under His shadow we may sit with delight and assurance, because we trust in Him.

Just as God went before Israel in the wilderness, a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, the Lord will preserve our going out and our coming in. 

The promise here is not that we will never need help, but that these things which cause us to need that help will never separate us from the God Who is our help, or from His purposes for us.

When we look to Him as Lord and Savior, 

He will indeed preserve our souls 

from this time forth and forevermore. 

Even to the end of the world.

Blessings,

You may remember that I'm joining Kimberlee Conway Ireton for this Lenten series of meditation through the Psalms of Ascent. You may find her offerings here.

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Weekend Whispers,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace

Inspired by . . . the Hope of His Coming Vol. 4

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.  Psalm 121

Today’s scripture is one of my favorite psalms. The promises of which it speaks inspire me and encourage me to go on – to keep putting one foot in front of the other. They give me a sense of security and peace.

We can trust that God will keep His promises to us. He is never out to lunch, or on vacation. His plan and purpose for our life is sure, and He will keep us.

The word preserve is used three times in the KJV. It is the Hebrew word shâmar {shaw-mar'} and the picture here is that the Lord is building a protective hedge around us.

This time of year the word preserve immediately makes me think of the canning we used to do on the farm. We would can all sorts of yummy produce. Pickled beets, cauliflower, and cucumbers. We would can peaches and corn and beans and put up all manner of jams and jellies. This picture of protection still applies. The canning process protects the food from spoiling, maintaining its existing state.

That is the promise here. Evil may come against us, but God protects our souls from spoiling.

You may wonder what this scripture has to do with Advent.  All of these promises are fulfilled in and by Jesus Christ.

He is the LORD who made heaven and earth.

And it is by the glue of His grace and mercy that He keeps our world{s} from spinning out of control.

He came as a babe, but He reigns as King.

It is Christ Who defends us – redeems us – saves us.

Even forevermore.

Blessings,