Psalm 121

Imagine a young married couple in ancient Israel travelling to Jerusalem for one of the three annual Holy Days. This is your first trip as husband and wife. Perhaps you’re the husband. It is your responsibility to love your wife. To protect her. To be the man. You could be the wife. You look to your husband wondering if he’s strong enough to stand up to the bandits often encountered on such a trip.

You stand there together hesitating to take the first step, yet anxious to be on your way. Your eyes drift to the mountains ahead and in your mind’s eye you see the gates of the Holy City ahead. You envision the singing, the celebration, the noise and activity. The prayers, sacrifices and feasts. You have prepared for this Holy Celebration. The money for the  sacrifice is safely tucked away in your belt. At least you hope it is safe.

But as you imagine the Holy City, Jerusalem, your mind drifts back to the roads which lead up the mountain. The path to the Holy Place. Dark valleys lie between you and your destination. Steep climbs, treacherous trails, dangerous passes. Wild animals, thieves and bullies. You will be as likely to encounter an unruly gang as you will a band of pilgrims. A pilgrimage can be a  dangerous thing. With excitement you anticipate your arrival at Jerusalem. With an anxious heart you consider the dangers of the trip. And so you begin to sing:

To mountain top I lift my eye

My help shall come from where? I cry.

My help comes from the LORD of love

Who made the earth and heav’n above 

The very source of danger also holds the reminder of our hope. It is in our weakness that He is made strong. It is in our failures that he is shown to be faithful. It is in our sin that His grace shines brightest. We must see past the danger to the gates of the City and the temple that lies within. We must look past our fears, our weaknesses, our failures, our sins, our struggles. We must look past the political dangers we face, the threat of the virus, the losses and hurts we have experienced. We must look past all of that to the presence of the God who is ever faithful.

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