Loving God of all days, may this be a special day in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our text for today comes from Psalm 121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 He who keeps Israel will 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 will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore. (NRSV)
This Psalm became more powerful to me when I read somewhere that David probably wrote this psalm during a battle campaign. In David's day the enemies would encamp nearby and enjoy a sort of truce or cease-fire during the evening and then in the morning they would assemble to wage the day's battle. I chuckle as I write remembering the old cartoon of the sheepdog and the wolf punching the same time clock as they "went to work." You can imagine how you would feel if you knew that your enemy was on the hills surrounding your camp. In earlier days I would read the Psalm and think David thought his help came from the hills, it does not. His help, as does yours and mine, comes from the Lord, the Creator of all things. David's faith was anchored in knowing that God is an ever-vigilant protector, knowing all areas and especially all areas of weakness - nothing can come against us and prevail! And when it is all said and done, the Lord continues to keep us.
What's circling your camp this morning? Fear of a deadline or due date? A showdown with a loved one? God knows your life and the places where you need the most help. Just ask!
PRAYER: Loving God, as I start this day and the day's challenges and chores, help me remember that I am not alone; You are with me; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
