Psalms of Ascent – Psalm 121
Mar 09 in Steps of Ascent
The journey can sometimes seem too long or wrought with danger and opposition ‘If you look around, you’ll be distressed. If you look within you’ll be depressed. If you look up at God you’ll be at rest (blessed)’ Corrie ten Boom.
Looking up requires a total helplessness in my own ability and a complete trust and reliance upon God’s, where ‘He alone can do it’. ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you’ Matthew 6:33.
El-Shaddai (God of the mountains) denotes age and strength, permanence, protection, refuge, safety, where you gain a higher vision, where you believe God whose ways are higher (Isaiah 55:8-9), a God of Might who does not sleep but watches over our every step.
When Abram was 99 years old God appeared to him and said ‘I am El-Shaddai – God Almighty, walk before me faithfully and be blameless, I will establish My covenant between Me and you and I will multiply you exceedingly’ Genesis 17:1
At the point where Abraham was wavering over his belief in God’s promises… God revealed Himself to Abraham as God of the Mountain…for He does not move, He does not change and is all powerful to do as He says He will do and fulfil every promise. The mountain is also a source of sustenance, it is all-sufficient and a place of fruitfulness and blessing… however, there is a part that we are required to play. ‘Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect’ Matthew 5:48. Requires us to walk blameless in our generation (Genesis 6:9, Philippians 2:15)
The Lord is your Keeper… the verb ‘keep’ (Shamar) is mentioned six times in this short Psalm, its meaning to ‘watch closely with much care, protect, guard, preserve and tend to’ like a Shepherd he watches over, directs, leads and cares for his sheep. ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand’ Isaiah 41:10. One and God is a majority. ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.’ 2 Kings 6:17.
‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’