Slices
Prepare
‘Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord’ (Psalm 20:7).
Bible passage
A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains –
where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip –
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord watches over you –
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all harm –
he will watch over your life;
8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and for evermore.
Explore
Picture the psalmist, climbing slowly up Temple Mount, on pilgrimage to God’s house. As he lifted his eyes to the distant mountains, did he fear the robbers’ haunts on the hillsides? Was he thinking of some secret refuge up in the mountains (see Psalm 11:1)? Or was he contemplating his destination – that magnificent Temple? No matter what ‘the mountains’ represent, the psalmist’s central message is clear: a believer’s security does not lie in created things – like mountains – but in the mountain-maker, ‘the Maker of heaven and earth’ (vs 1,2).
The repeated phrase ‘watch(es) over’ (vs 3–5,7,8) is a guarantee of comprehensive coverage. The pilgrim is promised protection against all kinds of threats – accidents (v 3a), the elements (vs 5,6) and other perils (vs 7); he is assured of protection at all times – for God is never off duty (vs 3,4) – and for all times (‘now and for evermore’, v 8b); and this protection covers all situations (‘your coming and going’, v 8a). God’s CCTV cameras scan in all directions and he monitors them 24/7! But the protection gets even more personal: ‘The Lord watches over you’ (v 5). Throughout our faith journey, the mountain-maker himself is our bodyguard and soul-guard, sticking close, guarding and guiding us safely to our destination – himself.
Respond
Pray: ‘God of peace, walk through this week with me. Like a sentinel, let your peace stand guard over my heart and mind, shielding me from faithless fears and fruitless worries.’*
*Based on Philippians 4:7,9
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 28,29; Psalms 7,8
Pray for Scripture Union
Give thanks to God for the holidays and missions that took place last year, and for all the volunteers and SU staff who gave their time, energy and skills to make them happen. (This week's prayers relate to this story.)
