“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
One year ago at this time, our family was faced with two unexpected and heartbreaking losses; the deaths of our son-in-law’s father Resty, and my husband’s Aunt Marty. For the spouses and family left behind, the road ahead seemed overwhelming to navigate. How would they make it through?
But over the past year, I have seen the perseverance of both spouses- Marialuz and Erwin, and their families, as they journeyed through deep valleys of grief and hardship. In lifting up their eyes to the Lord, they have walked forward in faith. And I praise God that He has been their faithful help, providing for them in remarkable ways. Two very different circumstances, challenges, and cultures, yet the same Lord who sustains them both.
The Lord is their Keeper.
“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” (Psalm 121:5-6, ESV)
When I reflect on the past months, I am reminded of all the ways, large and small, that the Lord has been my Keeper, too. Even in the day- to -day struggles that seem small in comparison.
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber not sleep.” (vs.3-4)
The Hebrew verb “keeps” (Hb.shamar), used several times in Psalm 121, means “to exercise diligent, protective care over, or to guard, attend to carefully”. How wonderful that the Lord diligently guards, cares for, and protects us!
But instead of “lifting up my eyes” to the Lord for help, I sometimes try to figure things out on my own, or look to others, or the world’s advice, for help and answers. Yes, it is good to seek help and support in healthy relationships. But even the best of human relationships can disappoint us.
I believe God desires us to first seek a close and trusting relationship with Him, as our Savior and Lord. To love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and then to love others as ourselves.
I have discovered that when I seek closeness with God regularly, “lifting up my eyes” to Him, meditating on His Word and staying in communication with Him, I experience less anxiety and worry. Asking God for help -as a first response- strengthens me to face whatever challenge is before me.
Ultimately, my life, and yours, is in the hands of the One who keeps us. May we encourage one another with this truth!
Dear Father, we admit we don’t always look to you for help. But, even so, you are our Keeper! Thank you for the ways you watch over your children diligently, paying attention to what we need. We confidently and boldly ask you to keep us in the palm of your Hand.
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:7-8)
Amen!