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Psalm 121
GSFA members will be familiar with the Songs of Ascents in the book of Psalms, and how they were recited by Jewish pilgrims making their way to worship in the temple in Jerusalem. Thankfully, these songs have found their way into the canon of scripture – ‘thankfully’ because in their content they point to two realities which, quite literally, transform the experience of every Christian.
Firstly, it is the reference in verses 1 and 2 to God as the ‘maker of Heaven and Earth’, and the one from whom our help comes. Whether the pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem were reminded by the surrounding hills of the greatness of God, or the danger of robbers, (theologians differ), there is no doubt as to the response. The one who watches over us, stands with us, and provides for us is the ‘maker of Heaven and Earth’. There is nothing beyond His reach, nothing He cannot transform, nothing He cannot explain or understand. Everything that exists is under His sovereign oversight.
When we face personal challenges, it is good to be reminded that our help comes from the maker of all. And when our churches face challenges (and certainly that is the case in the Church of England at this current time), it’s good to remind ourselves that God is the maker of all, and sovereign over his own church. There is never no hope. There is never a situation that cannot be redeemed or transformed by a work of God. And because of this, as one bible scholar put it, ‘faith in God is never misplaced’.
But the encouragement does not end there!
At the end of the psalm, we are told that God will ‘watch over our coming and going both now and forever more’. This echoes a theme that is seen throughout the psalm of God’s goodness towards His own: ‘He will not allow your feet to slip’ (verse 3), He will neither slumber nor sleep’ (verse 4), ‘the Lord is your shade’ (verse 5). God is not only great (the maker of Heaven and Earth) – He is also good (the one who knows us, loves us, and cares for us).
The ‘watching over’ referred to is not that of surveillance, security or political monitoring. It’s not to catch us out or an attempt to persecute us. It is the ‘watching over’ of a loving parent, intended for our safety, our flourishing and our joy.
So when we face challenges in life (and particularly of a personal/family nature), it’s good to remind ourselves that we have a perfect heavenly father whose absolute commitment is to be good towards us (I write as a father, and I’m fully aware of how we human fathers don’t always get it right!).
Finally, and in our preaching, teaching, apologetics, and evangelism, it’s worth remembering that the combination of these two themes – the greatness and goodness of God – is uniquely Christian. There is no other faith or world view that offers this wonderful assurance. The God who has made all that is, and revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, is steadfastly good toward those that love Him, and always capable of transforming each and every situation.
Thanks be to God.
Rev Canon John Dunnett
National Director, CEEC
