The Pilgrim’s Song and the  4 encouraging characteristics of God .

One of my favorite Psalm that I memorized as a young girl was Psalm 121. Over the years, this Psalm has comforted me and helped me understand the character of God in a personal way.

I want to call Psalm 121 the Pilgrim’s song because as travelers in this world we must realize that we are Pilgrims and not residents here. There were songs that the children of Israel sang as they made their way up to the hills of Jerusalem during the pilgrimage.

A pilgrim is a traveler who has set her eyes to the Most sacred Person to whom she belongs.

Why can’t we be earth bound?

Heaven bound is where Jesus is and therefore our eyes are fixed on the Author of our faith.

Our birth in Christ makes us citizens of the City which has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.

When we remove our eyes from the idols of this earth, can we then lift our EYES look up to Holy Hill where Christ is.

 In times of trouble and despair, if our eyes wander around the circumstances then we can easily quit for life.

Our help doesn’t come from our qualifications, wealth, or health or even power. It comes from the Lord!

Here the Psalmist reminds us that our help comes from above and not around.

Here are the 4 exemplary characteristics of God from Psalm 121

1.The Lord who is the maker of Heaven and Earth is our HELPER. Verses 1-2

HILL – Place

EYES – Position

HELP – Person

Jerusalem was built on a hilltop. Two reasons why the Psalmist mentions about lifting his eyes could be (a) There were many false idols in the pagan temples, and he knew only GOD was the true HELPER; (b) The Psalmist wanted to remind himself that help can only come from above and not below.

“people fainting from fear and expectation of the things coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and with great glory. Now when these things begin to occur, stand tall and lift up your heads [in joy], because [suffering ends as] your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21 : 26-28 (AMP)

Christ is our constant Person in times of trouble. He is God in three Persons. Omniscient and Helper in every step of our way. Look up and rejoice my friend. This characteristic of God as Our Helper allows us to lift our eyes to heaven for help.

2. The Lord who will not allow our foot to be moved is our PROTECTOR. verses 3-4

It is important to know that God orders our steps and our stops. 

A woman who is diligently walking in the Lord will not be allowed to fall and one who is standing for the truth will move for the Gospel. This characteristic of God reminds us that God will protect us from every evil as we pilgrim on this earth.

 Here are 10 AREAS GOD PROMISES TO PROTECT US 

3. The Lord is our KEEPER, verses 5-6

Shomer Ishrael means “One who keeps”. God exercises great care and love towards His people and HE is our keeper.

Picture the Keeper of Israel preserving the apple of His eye (you and I ) under His watch!! What a beautiful characteristics of God indeed!

Jacob was fleeing from the wrath of his brother Esau whom he cunningly cheated of their father’s blessing. He stops for the night at a certain place and places a stone for a pillow as he drifts to sleep. It is there that Jacob sees a dream of angels ascending and descending.

The Lord promises the following “ I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28 : 10-18

My friend, You and I will sleep, but our Lord God will keep us and our home from the Enemy who is out to kill and steal.

4. The Lord is our PRESERVER , verses 7-8

It is the Lord who alone can preserve us Whether it’s a newborn or a young man and woman beginning a new phase of life.

Even if it is returning home after a tired and stressful day, or when the grey hairs begin to show up as we age.

Where we go and when we come back will always change but the Preserver of our lives remains unchanging.

Note : By day…..by night . God promises an unlimited time for His protection over us -EVERMORE.

Personalizing the characteristics of God Psalm 121 as a prayer in my own words 

Father God, I am opening the windows of my eyes and lifting them towards Thy Holy Hill. For my help comes from the Creator of the Heaven and Earth.

My foot will not trip nor slip for my Guardian never sleeps.

The Keeper of Israel is ever wakeful and watches over me.

God, You are my right Hand comrade in every battles that I am facing. A shield and a shade on my right side.

The heat of the sun nor the interference of the moonlight will not harm me as I pilgrim here. For You are my Protector.

Preserver of my soul guard me from every evil, every fear, and afflictions that will come near me.

Keep me near in life and in death; in the beginning of my days, in the mornings when I step out to labor till the evenings when I return to rest, and even until my old age

REFLECTION :

1. What kind of difference would it make if you believed that you will never be released from the protection of the SHADOW of the ALMIGHTY no matter what the situation?

2. The truth that God does not sleep , yet He does not rescue you exactly the wanted you wanted . How do you interpret God’s  time versus your time?

Until Christ comes back, let us focus on the characteristics of God Psalm 121 together

Diana