Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Psalm 121

God the Help of Those Who Seek Him

A Song of Ascents.
¹ I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
² My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
³ He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.
⁵ The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
⁷ The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
⁸ The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.
This is one of the many songs of ascents in the Psalms. These were songs sung by the Israelites as they made their journeys to Jerusalem to worship God in the Temple. They were required to travel to Jerusalem three times a year for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles. These feasts were known as the Pilgrimage Feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). The journey was long and dangerous for many of the people. They sang these songs to remind themselves of the greatness of God and to stay focused on the pilgrimage rather than the circumstances of the journey. These songs were also sung by the exiles as they returned from Babylonian captivity.

Psalm 121 speaks of God's faithfulness to protect them from the elements. He is there shade from the sun and their protection from becoming moonstruck (a very real fear in those days). They remind each other that God does not slumber or sleep. Night time was particularly hazardous for the travelers. Not only were theives on the road but there was also the threat of wild animals, so it was great comfort to know that God did not sleep but kept a constant vigil over His people. The road was steep, often the trail was narrow with ledges, so again there would have been great comfort in knowing that God would not allow their feet to slip.

God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Do you feel like an exile? Has your journey been trecherous? Sing Psalm 121 today. Claim His awesome protection for you, your family and your situation. He does not slumber or sleep. You are his child! Call out to Abba, Father! He hears and will answer!

Abba, Father, Protector, Mighty God, be with me now! I am like a child frightened by a nightmare. My situation seems impossible and daunting! But this I know, You are God and what seems impossible with man is possible with You!! So I come into Your sanctuary, knowing You are awesome in this place! I cast all of my fears and cares on You Abba, Father and give You praise for what You are doing and for what You are going to do! Thank You Father for everything You have done! In Jesus name, amen.