Both Now And Forevermore

Psalm 121: 7-8 (NIV)—

‘The Lord will keep you from all harm—

    he will watch over your life;

the Lord will watch over your coming and going

    both now and forevermore.’

It’s Friday and we’ve come to the end of Psalm 121. At the beginning of the week, I explained that Psalm 121 was written for pilgrims making the uphill journey to Jerusalem to worship God. I hope that over the course of this week you will have been reminded of some key truths about God’s character and that these have given you encouragement and supernatural strength to overcome the uphill ascents you are facing right now. So far we’ve unpacked where our help comes from when we feel hopeless, explored God’s attentive parental character and have been reminded of God’s desire to protect and shield us at all times.

The final two verses of Psalm 121 act as a summary of what has come before. It repeats that God will keep his people from harm and that he is always watching over us. But it’s the final verse that I want to focus on.

Verse 8 leaves us with this promise: ‘the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.’ For just one line it packs a punch and it always leaves me feeling hopeful. It is filled with the reassurance and certainty that God will be closely watching over you in the present, and in your future. Whatever happens, whatever decisions you make, whoever you meet, wherever you go, whatever you become and whether the road is winding, straight or an uphill battle…GOD WILL BE THERE. He will rescue you, he will be attentive to you, he will protect and shield you and he will love you.

This has been an extended look at Psalm 121. If these devotionals have spoken to you or encouraged you in any way, I would recommend memorising this psalm. I believe it has the power to sustain us through many future uphill journeys and continually point us to God.

Prayer - Father God,

Thank you that you promise to be with me now and forevermore. May the words of Psalm 121 continue to inspire and encourage me on the journeys to come.