PRAYER

Loving God, be near to us today that we may know Your presence and feel Your love more deeply. Amen.

READING

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;

⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

REFLECTION

This is one of my most favourite Psalms. As a child, I had to memorize it for school and so it has stuck with me for most of my life. This Psalm is helpful to read when you are on a journey. Whether you are on an emotional, spiritual or physical journey, this Psalm gives comfort through transitional stages. I have experienced my fair share of challenges and the first two verses of this Psalm have been my anchor of Truth when I feel tossed around by life's challenges. This Psalm validates the hardships we endure and yet promises God's presence through them. It doesn't say we will not suffer but through our suffering, God's power is made real. God's protection is given. God's tenderness is felt.

Verse five says, "The Lord is your shade" which means, Jesus takes the heat, the scorching sun on his back so that we can have relief from his shadow which is standing near to us. Jesus has already sacrificed himself for us so that we can sleep in peace, not worry about our foot slipping or spend extra energy on surveillance for possible danger. Jesus has done it all for us. Embrace this Psalm as a balm for your soul. Read it and re-read it when you need a gentle touch from God.

LENT CHECK IN

Try finding a cozy place to sit (include pillows, blanket and hot beverage). Take deep breaths and read the Psalm over a couple of times. Consider underlining or highlighting any verses that are meaningful to you.