We all know that the Psalms cover the wide gamut of human feelings and experiences. The Psalms is the go-to book for a great number of people who want to know how God relates to them in particular experiences or situations.
Today’s reading from Psalm 121 evokes several images about God which can be summarized under one umbrella, “The God Who Protects.”
As we go through Lent year after year we are often asked to reflect on the errors of our ways and to see this time as a period to be penitent. In fact, some people feel that this period evokes human vulnerability like no other. We are reminded that we are weak and helpless beings and because of that we have strayed from God. This is why the need for penitence is highlighted during this period. If we believe on reflection that we have sinned primarily because of our human weakness and tendencies, then for many people, Psalm 121 is an ideal Psalm because it highlights our vulnerabilities and God’s power to protect and to save us from all the things to which we are susceptible.
The Psalm is an expression of assurance in God’s power to keep his people safe.
Let’s look at some of the images that come to mind as we read this Psalm:
“My help comes from the Lord.”– This points to the Lord being our help in our weakness and insecurity.
“He who watches over you will not slumber.” – The Lord is our constant and reliable protection.
“The Lord will keep you from all harm.” – With God you will always be safe.
All of these and more point to a God who is constantly on guard and ever ready to protect and to save his precious ones, which is all of us, from all that may do us harm whether physically or spiritually.
The psalmist evokes the image of the parent and child relationship in this Psalm because it is replete with the images that point to the loving and protective presence of God. It reminds us that we are weak and vulnerable and therefore susceptible to fall prey to all sorts of dangers and harm including those of our troubles that are self-inflicted wounds caused by our own pride or disobedience or both. But the good news from this Psalm and from the gospels is that God is always there to save and to protect and to see that no harm comes to his children. This is exactly the way a loving parent thinks and acts.
Ultimately it is a story about God’s love, a love that reaches out to rescue us from all that threatens to destroy us: a love that is constant and true. This is the love that has its climax at the cross of Calvary for human redemption.
How do we respond to that perfect expression of love? How do we journey through the rest of this Lenten season? Do we respond as grateful people in committing or recommitting ourselves to a relationship with Jesus? Do we respond by committing ourselves to love and support others who are struggling as they journey through the trials and temptations of this life?
Let this season of Lent be one of renewal and strength as we look to the mountains, as we look to God whose love is steadfast and sure like that anchor in every storm of life. Amen.
