Psalm 121:5-6:“The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.” NLT
Do you have any unmet expectations causing you to feel alone and feel like you are in a situation that has sucked the sunshine out of your inner self due to the daily stresses, and pressures of life? “The brutal rays of the sun in the world of the Middle East could assault the traveler, such as the pilgrim on the way to one of Israel’s feasts in Jerusalem. God promised care for the traveler . . . . in the wilderness from Egypt and shielded them from the sun.” Blue Letter Bible Commentary. Safety was an obvious concern, along with the brutal daytime sun and the cold desert nights. So, the writer feels alienated, surrounded by conflict, and far from home among pagan people. Sound familiar? “Here the psalmist is saying that the Lord is a shield in that area that is vulnerable to attack.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. We can then apply that to our own vulnerabilities, despite our weaknesses God is our protector, even in our unmet expectations.
We see God’s omnipresence in Psalm 121, as it declares that God watches over us and stands beside us, for He is always present in the fullness of who He is. However, that doesn’t mean we are exempt from physical or emotional pain. But whether it is hot or cold, day or night, God never leaves us and stays alert to any dangers around us. Hold onto that thought. Now look at Psalm 112:7: “They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them.” That points to God’s omnipotence – His sovereignty (1 Chronicles 29:11-13), omnipresence, and omniscience.
When you need that emotional shade over you, rest in Psalm 91:1-2, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty: This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust in Him.” There is God’s promise for us to trade our fears for faith in His protection.
In my prayer list notebook, I have 4 things written down that only God can solve. I look at them and wonder how they can ever turn out right and change, but I trust, have faith, and have placed Jesus as Lord over my life. Have you done that?
One thing I had been asking about for God’s answer, He abruptly did recently. God closed that door, and His answer was not my plan, as He has other blessings in store for me now, in this unmet expectation. So, my friend, whatever you need emotional shade for in your life remember, God is watching over your life; He is alert to any danger and is ready to help with your needs, so find rest in the shadow of the Almighty – He alone is your refuge and place of safety and has given you round the clock protection.
New Hope to put into action:
Whatever may be your presenting problem pray, “God give me peace from trusting You to protect me and give me Your grace that comes from my hope in You despite anything that comes my way unexpectedly from uncertain circumstances. I give You the praise and glory by abiding in your protective shade, as it says in Psalm 121:5-6.” That is the lesson to achieve of having contentment due to the sufficiency of our great God.
Listen to Matthew West You Tube- Hard Season (Official Music Video)