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The author of this Psalm, David, knew these things very well because he lived them. He trusted the Lord with his own life while evading Saul and his army, who were trying to kill him. “David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand.” 1 Samuel 23:14. Later, as King David, he was able to reflect as he lifted his eyes to the hills – the Lord was with him.
As a wise leader, King David took the time to reflect and write about his journey. I can only imagine the terror and fear he may have felt living in the hills, hiding in caves, and trying to escape the grip of Saul and his army, who sought to kill him. It is interesting to reflect on his writing Psalm 121 with this in mind. David’s life must have flashed before his eyes on many occasions, including a narrow escape. But by faith, he could see beyond the danger, the fear, and the suffering; his journey included hope, deliverance, and safekeeping as he was in the very presence of the Lord.
We, too, are on a journey. We might not have been hiding, afraid for our lives in a cave, but it may have seemed like that at times. The past few weeks have been like no other time on the world’s stage, to be sure. It is easy to see the terror, danger, and great suffering that has occurred now in war, even from afar. As together we reflect and ‘look to the hills,’ let us remember, like David, where our help comes from -- the Lord. Perhaps it’s wise to tune out the (social) media and tune into God’s Word for hope and comfort.
Our Lord cares so deeply for His people that He gave His only Son, Jesus (John 3:16), who will never leave or forsake us. During these times, and at all times, Saints, let us remember together as we look to the hills, “The Lord will keep you, your going out and your coming in, from this time forth and forevermore.” And that, dear Saints, is where our help comes from. Amen.
We pray: Gracious and merciful Lord, it is easy for us to become short-sighted, focusing only on the shocking and scary happenings, including war. Forgive us as we all fall short and fall into sin daily. Thank You for keeping us focused on the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Your only Son, who died for our salvation. Help us to share Your great love daily with those who don’t know You. Thank You for keeping us as we come and go, serving You, reminding us daily to lift our eyes to the cross; in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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