Devotions: Safety in the Way

 

The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.

Psalm 121:5 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

I love the New Living translation of the first line: The Lord Himself watches over you. It makes me think of Cain when he replied to God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God is our Keeper. He watches over us, not like a hired security guard that just needs a job, or a kid watching his father’s sheep, but like a mother bear watches over her cubs. He is diligent, faithful, and always present. Many people think God doesn’t see because they experience bad things, but this is a misunderstanding of God, the Bible and life. Many of the bad things people experience are the result of their own bad choices, or the unfortunate consequences of living in a sinful world with sinful people. God doesn’t want bad things to happen, but He doesn’t keep us from sinning or always experiencing the consequences of our sin. Even then, He does still protect us. He only lets us experience the consequences that will lead us back to Him. If we experienced every consequence our sin required we wouldn’t be alive. The way He commands we live is designed to protect us from bad things, and if we choose to reject His way that is on us not Him.

The idea that God is our “shade” is not referring to a shady place to put a hammock, but a shelter. Figuratively speaking, it means a defense or protection. Again, God’s way is designed to protect us. If we stay close to Him, in the “shadow of His wing” as a chick with the mother hen, we will stay safe. It is when we stray that we invite danger. The “right hand” is a symbol of power, strength and authority. It is also associated with blessing, mercy and rectitude, and it is typically the stronger hand. Jesus sits at the right hand of God. God overthrew Egypt with His “mighty right hand.” Saying that God has our right hand is showing His mercy, authority and that He is the source of our strength.

Are you walking in God’s ways? What are you up against? What are you afraid of? Turn to God, your refuge and defense. Seek your strength in Him and be encouraged by the knowledge that He is your Keeper.

 

 

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