Psalm 121
A Song of Ascents (aka. A Prayer for Travelers)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121 (NIV)
I have enjoyed these devotions for many years, and they have helped me so many times and in so many ways – through reading devotions others have written and being inspired or comforted by their words and reflections, through the process of writing them and meditating on the meaning of scripture, and through rereading them when they come out – yes, I find even my own words seem to have a renewed impact when I read them a month or two later. God finds a way to put the exact words in front of me that I need to hear at the exact right moment.
These verses, for instance, which are sometimes referred to as “A Prayer for Travelers” were assigned to me and will be delivered to your inbox (and mine) on the day we board a plane for a big (for us) family trip where will be traveling to another country, a first for our family. Drew had no idea we had planned this trip and would be leaving today when he assigned these verses to me in March – how cool is that!? God knew that I could use this reminder that he will be with us and watching over us both before and during our trip – and always.
Another great and current example of God working through us and for us:
I like to start my day off with devotion, in the quiet of morning before the rest of my house gets up. On my list of to-dos today was to finish this daily devotional – it’s due today, April 27th, and I have made some notes but still needed to put them together in a way that will make sense to you, the readers. This morning, as I was reading through the daily devotional in my email, written by Jenna Huttenmaier on Psalm 19 - a beautiful song of praise to the glory and perfection of God, I once again found God putting the exact words in front of me that I needed to put my heart and mind in the right place to write this devotional. It’s left me with a heart full of gratitude and praise, and it ends with the perfect prayer to direct my mind as I set out to write and to remind me for whom I am writing.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
As we embark on our journey, may we go in peace knowing God will be watching over us. No matter what happens, God will use it for His good. This is true no matter where you are going or what you are doing today, even if you don’t leave your home - God has you. Go in peace and serve the Lord.
Questions for Reflection:
- What lies ahead of you today? Does anything give you anxiety or worry?
- Do the words in Psalm 121 help you find peace?
- Do the words in Psalm 121 give you courage?
Prayer:
Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer,
Thank you for the reminder and reassurance that you will be watching over me today and always. My help comes from you, Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Help me to watch, listen, and feel you all around me, guiding my steps day and night, wherever I go. I know that I am safe in your care. All praise and glory be to you, Lord. Amen
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