Our living God Pt 14: God is my helper

Psalm 121                               1I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?  2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.  3He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  5The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.  7The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

The mountains

Over the centuries, Israel was surrounded by pagan cultures, and she occasionally fell into idol worship herself.  In ancient times, high places were often associated with idol worship, as the Canaanites and other neighboring nations built altars and shrines on elevated locations to honor their gods.  These sites were considered sacred and were used for offerings, rituals, and divination practices.  The Israelites, despite being called to worship Yahweh alone, frequently succumbed to the temptation of these high places.  Even Israelite kings, including Solomon, permitted, or even participated in such practices, leading the nation into periods of spiritual decline.  The reference to the mountains can be interpreted as an implicit contrast between reliance on pagan deities and the true help that comes from the Lord.

Those altars were visible reminders to every passer-by that idol worship was an everyday reality, but the psalmist decisively declares in verse 2, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." This affirmation distances the believer from the deception of false gods and reorients the focus toward Yahweh, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.  The contrast serves as a reminder that true security is not found in human-made religious systems but in the sovereign power of the Almighty.

He will not slumber

A central theme of this Psalm is the unwavering vigilance of God over His people.  Verse 3 states, "He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber."  This assurance is profound when considering the ancient understanding of deities, many of whom were thought to be distant, unpredictable, or even inattentive.  Today, believers are used to the idea of God as One, but in the pagan cultures of those days Gods were many, disinterested and capricious, requiring much sacrifice to appease.  In stark contrast, Yahweh is depicted as an ever-watchful guardian, one who neither sleeps nor neglects His people.  This is reinforced in verse 4: "Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep."  The repetition of this idea underscores its importance.  While human protectors require rest and are susceptible to failure, God remains perpetually alert.

The imagery of God as a watchful protector carries great significance, particularly for the Israelites who journeyed through dangerous terrains.  In ancient times, travel was fraught with risks, including bandits, wild animals, and natural hazards.  The assurance that God does not sleep would have been a source of immense comfort to those making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, particularly during the annual feasts.

Moreover, this verse highlights the contrast between Yahweh and the false gods of surrounding nations.  For example, in 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah mocks the prophets of Baal, suggesting that their god might be asleep or preoccupied.  This passage humorously exposes the impotence of idols, reinforcing the truth that only Yahweh is ever vigilant and ever-present.  The theological implications of God’s constant vigilance extend beyond physical protection.  Spiritually, believers are assured that God is always aware of their struggles, pains, and needs.  The notion that He does not slumber conveys not only His omnipotence but also His deep care and attentiveness.

The shade at your right hand

Verse 5 declares, "The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand."  The metaphor of shade is rich with meaning in the biblical context.  In the Middle Eastern climate, where the sun can be relentless and oppressive, shade symbolizes relief, protection, and sustenance.  This verse echoes other biblical passages that describe God as a refuge and source of shelter.  For instance, Isaiah 25:4 states, "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."  The imagery of shade conveys the Lord’s role as a protector from both physical and spiritual adversity.

Furthermore, the reference to "your right hand" suggests a position of strength and favor.  In biblical times, the right hand was often associated with authority, power, and honor.  To say that the Lord is "at your right hand" emphasizes His active involvement in the life of the believer.  This positioning implies that God is not distant but near, intimately involved in guiding and sustaining His people.

This verse also speaks to the idea of divine companionship.  Unlike idols, which are lifeless and impersonal, Yahweh is close to those who trust in Him.  The idea of shade at one's right hand conveys not only God’s protection but also His presence—a reassurance that believers do not walk through life alone.

Additionally, the following verse, "The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night", extends the metaphor of divine shade.  This statement can be understood literally, as protection from harsh weather, but also symbolically, representing God’s preservation from all kinds of dangers, whether seen or unseen.

Your coming and going

The concluding verses of Psalm 121 reinforce the comprehensive nature of God’s protection: "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".

The phrase "your coming and going" signifies the entirety of a person’s daily life, every movement, decision, and journey is under the Lord’s care.  This concept is deeply reassuring, particularly in a time when travel was perilous.  Pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem for religious observances would have found great comfort in the belief that God was watching over them every step of the way.  Beyond physical travel, "coming and going" can also represent the various seasons of life, encompassing work, relationships, and personal endeavors.  The assurance of divine protection extends not only to major life transitions but also to the mundane, everyday moments.  Whether one is stepping into a new chapter or simply navigating daily responsibilities, the promise of God’s watchful presence remains.

This passage also emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s care—"both now and forevermore."  Unlike human protectors who have limitations, God’s vigilance is eternal.  This verse resonates with Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  The divine protection is not temporary but everlasting.

What about me?

All of this is interesting, but if it does not penetrate our soul, what good is it.  God is personal, present, caring, and protective.  Your answer might then be, “OK, then why does all this awful stuff happen to me?”  the answer is that the world is a fallen place; evil is everywhere.  But nonetheless God wants us to help further his Kingdom.  This means we must be stronger than most and must be willing to fight against evil.

The psalm’s message is as relevant today as it was in ancient times.  In a world filled with uncertainties, anxieties, and dangers, the believer can find solace in the truth that God is always watching, always present, and always faithful.  Psalm 121 encourages trust in the Lord as the ultimate source of help, reminding us that our security does not rest in worldly structures or fleeting assurances but in the eternal and unshakable love of God.