STEP ONE: Study the Bible Passage

Psalm 121 Psalms 120-134 are a group of psalms the Jewish pilgrims sang as they completed the last part of their journey up to Jerusalem to participate in religious festivals. The psalms are short and easy to memorize and they are all celebratory. Psalm 121 was written about the journey itself, one that for many travelers would have taken multiple days of travel to complete, was physically demanding, and fraught with dangers. For protection for that journey, the psalmist asked, “Where does my help come from?”

As the psalmist moved along on a journey, he looked up at the mountains ahead of him and considered the dangers ahead––rugged terrain, steep climbs, loose rocks, wild animals, robbers. To these dangers, the psalmist questioned how he would be safe along the journey (v. 1). He responded to his own question, stating that his security was found in the Lord (or YAHWEH). Why?

1. The Lord is his Creator, who made heaven and earth (v. 2).
2. The Lord is his Guide, who watches over his steps to make sure he is safe on the journey (v. 3).
3. The Lord is his Guardian, who watches vigilantly over him day and night without sleeping and who is never idle (“slumber”) (v. 3).
4. The Lord is his Keeper, who provides refuge and rest on the journey (v. 5).
5. The Lord is his Defender, who defends him from danger during the day and at night (v. 6).
6. The Lord is his Protector, who protects him from evil (v. 7).
7. The Lord’s protection is forever, even throughout eternity (v. 8).

The psalmist understood that God cared about him––personally and intimately. God knew him and cared about him.