Put it on Repeat!

Psalm 121 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.

Reflection

     I remember a friend talking about a coworker that when a new song came out that she liked, she would put it on repeat and listen to it over and over, pretty much all day long. You can imagine how that could get old if you were in the cubicle next door! In a popular questionnaire contestants are asked, "If you could only listen to one song the rest of your life, what would it be?" I think I would pick a long and complicated song (but even hypothetically,  I don't want to be locked in just yet!).

     Maybe not to the extreme of all day, every day, but this Psalm is one of my favorites. I have found it to be meaningful in many situations personally and professionally. It is a good psalm before travelling and also as a beautiful reminder of providence and protection. I love the image of being protected from being moonstruck. Perhaps as Halloween excitement is revving up, this is even more appropriate! Yes, it ages well. Time passes and I still love the reminder that God does sleep from watchfulness.

Great God of all time and seasons,

We love and adore you for more reasons than we can count.

We give you thanks this day and always for your presence.

Your hope is never-failing from pound to ounce.

Your eye sees all and your nose misses no scent.

Comfort all this day who are suffering or in need.

Comfort us and remind us that we can trust you indeed.

Amen.