Psalm 103:11

Verse of the Day: Psalm 103:11

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.” – Psalm 103:11 

This, to me, is a beautiful passage.

If we think about it, the height of the heavens is so great we cannot even begin to imagine it.  There are no boundaries.  It goes beyond stars, galaxies, and all things within this universe.  If we were to set out to go to the end of everything, we would never reach it.  First, we would get to the end of the universe God created and we reside in, however, after that is the realm of eternity where God resides.

What the psalmist is basically saying is that God’s lovingkindness is infinite.  There is no end to the love God has for us who fear him.  We can never conceive of anything greater than His love.  Isaiah uses the same picture describing God’s ways.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9.

Finally, Jesus stated it best when He said, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:13 And who are His friends?  “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”  John 15:14

We who are totally devoted to Him and do what He commands us, His love for us is beyond measure.  It is so great, He Himself died for us, one who never had to die, but He took on the form of man so that He could pay for our sins by His death.  I reiterate, what a beautiful passage this is.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Psalm 46:10

Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!” – Psalm 46:10

The idea in the first part, where it says ‘Be Still’ is to Cease Striving.  In the beginning of this chapter, we see the following, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;” Psalm 46:1-2.  The author of this Psalm starts off by declaring that God is our refuge.  He is where we can flee when we find ourselves in trouble.  He goes on to say that we shall not fear, no matter what happens.  Though there be catastrophic world calamities or major army attacks, we can trust God.  And why?  “The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.”  Psalm 46:7.

We need to think this way.  We need to remember that the Lord of Hosts is with us.  “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.  God’s promise is that no matter what happens, we will be OK.  For He will be with us.  However, in looking at Paul and the disciples, He may take us home, but we will be OK.

When we get into any type of trouble, no matter how extreme, we must cease our striving against it, do what we can but remember that God is always with us.  Our God is almighty, all knowing, and fills our universe, both known and unknown.  He can deliver us from any trial, tribulation or persecution we may run into. It may be taking the situation away or bringing us safely through by giving us the strength to endure.   I have read many stories of Christians who were persecuted beyond belief.  People like Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand who suffered greatly at the hand of Russian controlled Romania, and eventually founded Voice of the Martyrs.  Or Aida Mikhailovna Skripnikova who was sentenced to three years in a Soviet prison camp because she witnessed to the Russians, but also because she told the Judge in her trial the following, “The Christian can’t be anything but confrontational.  Once you know the truth, this means following it, and if necessary, suffering for it.”  Or He may deliver us by taking us home, like Stephen in Acts 6-7, where Luke writes, “But being full of the Holy Spirit, he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56.  And after this, they stoned him to death.

We have no idea how God will bring us through our trials.  However, what we do know is that He will.  So, as God spoke to the writer of Psalm 46:10, He also speaks to us, as our focus verse says.  “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Genesis 28:14

Verse of the Day Devotion: Genesis 28:14

“Your descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” – Genesis 28:14

Here is another prophecy from the Old Testament which speaks of the coming Messiah.  Jacob has just departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran.  He had traveled quite a distance and the sun had set and he decided to stop for the night in order to refresh himself before he completed the trip the next day.  So, he took a rock and laid down, putting it under his head as a pillow.

“He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” Genesis 28:12. This is an interesting dream.  What he saw was a ladder that connected the heavens with the earth at the place he was.  And on this ladder were angels; some ascending back into heaven and others descending to the earth.  This is a picture of angels coming down and doing God’s work down here, and then ascending back upon completion.  This reminds me of a verse in Hebrews which speaks of the angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”. Hebrews 1:14.

Then Jacob sees the Lord, standing above this ladder on which the angels were ascending and descending, and declares to him the following, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants.” Genesis 28:13b. He first tells Jacob who He is; the God of Abraham his grandfather, and of Isaac his father.  It was very important that Jacob knew who He was because He was prophesying about near and far future events.  The near event is that He would give to Jacob and his descendants the land on which he was sleeping.  This would be the promised land which God spoke of to Abraham.  He confirmed to Jacob what He had promised to his grandfather.

Then God addresses the far event, “our descendants will also be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 28:14. Here God is saying that Jacobs descendants will be as the dust of the earth.  In other words, they will be so many that it will beyond the ability to count.  These descendants will spread out all over the world, going to the north and the south, to the east and the west.  But here is the defining part of this verse, ‘and in you and in your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”  There will come from him, through the line of David, someone through whom all the families of the earth will be blessed. They will spread throughout the world, via the disciples of this coming Messiah whose name is Jesus, the good news of the reconciliation of men with God, through the sacrifice of Jesus.

And we as Christians are the disciples of Christ who are to spread the Word of Christ.  Jesus was the one prophesied through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed.  And it is through us that the good news will be spread through a world that does not know Him.  Notice the phrase, ‘shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 28:14b.  Paul lays out how they will hear the word.  “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” Romans 10:14-15.  We are those who are called to tell the world.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Revelation 21:1

Verse of the Day Devotion: Revelation 21:1

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” – Revelation 21:1

This is a prophecy of what will happen at the very end of this age.  This speaks of a time after all the judgements have occurred.  “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

This is what we look forward to as Christians.  The old heavens and earth will pass away for they have been tainted because of man’s fall in the garden.  Only that which is good and pure and lovely will even exist.  It is beyond our ability to even imagine what it will be like.  “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’—”  1 Corinthians 2:9.  Now, this is a quote from Isaiah which says, “From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4. This verse includes the idea that no eye has seen, nor ear heard of a God like our God and the actions He performs. The gods known of man were powerless, they were idols created by man.  But the true God is all powerful, and thus can do anything, including recreating of all that is.  Remember the first verse in Genesis, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.

This new life will be amazing. We will see the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, prepared for us, His bride.  There will be no more tears and no more death.  There will be no mourning or pain, for the causes of these will be no more.  Our lives, for all eternity, will be perfect for we will be always in the presence of God, for we will live forever with Him.  There will be nobody or nothing that will change this.  In Revelation 22, we see the river of the water of life flowing from His throne.  We will have access to the tree of life, and the fruit that comes from it.  There will be nothing that is cursed, but the throne of God and His Son will be there, never to leave.  There will be no more night, and we will need no lamp or sun, for the Lord our God shall be our light.  And He will reign for all eternity, us being loved and cared for by Him forever.

What a wonderful future we have to look forward to.  And this life is assured to us. “And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” Revelation 22:6. This is infinitely superior to this life we now live. Therefore, look forward to this new life.  And, tell others who have no clue of what is coming.  It is our calling to spread this word.  And it is a word worth sharing.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Genesis 45:7

Verse of the Day Devotion: Genesis 45:7

“God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.” – Genesis 45:7 

This verse is part of the story of Joseph and the path God took him in order to save his family.  Things turned out really well, however the journey was very difficult.

If you remember, Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob, for He was borne through Rachel whom Jacob loved more than Leah.  Joseph had two prophetic dreams showing in essence him ruling over his family.  This favoritism by the father, as well as these ‘dreams’ angered Joseph’s brothers who eventually sold him to some Midianite traders who subsequently sold him to Potiphar in Egypt.  After a time, Potiphar put him in charge of all his affairs and he prospered greatly because of Joseph.  However, Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of coming on to her.  He was then put into the royal prison where the head of the prison put Him charge of all the prisoners.  And again, Joseph ran it well and prospered.

Ultimately, Pharaoh had two dreams which he nor his wise men could interpret.  Joseph was called up out of the prison because Pharaoh had been told he was able to interpret dreams.  Pharaoh then told Joseph the dreams and he prayed and told Pharaoh that these dreams meant there would be seven years of amazing prosperity followed by seven years of severe famine.  Pharaoh then put Joseph in the position of second in command of Egypt, putting him in control of storing up food during the first seven years, then dispensing it during the next seven years.  When the famine occurs, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to get food and they meet Joseph but do not recognize him.  Joseph then makes things difficult for them, but eventually brings his family to Egypt where they lived and were taken care of in all ways.

Now, I give you this brief summary to explain how Joseph suffered much, even though he was close to God and was serious about trusting and following God in all his ways.  He was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit to be killed, however they chose to sell him into slavery where he served Potiphar for several years.  He was falsely accused of trying to lie with his master’s wife which resulted with years in prison.  This was a very long series of events, but eventually he was placed in a high position of authority.  He then revealed himself to his brothers and relayed to them our focus verse, “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.” Genesis 45:7

I say all this because many times God puts us into difficult positions just as he did Joseph.  After a time of sorrow, he accepted his situation and trusted God.  And we must do the same.  God would not allow us to go through trials if He did not have a good reason to do so.  In Joseph’s situation it was to save his family who would eventually become the Jewish nation; God’s chosen people.  And if He allows us to suffer trials and tribulations, He as a good reason to as well.  We must trust God and allow Him to work through us for the greater good.  In trusting Him this way, we shall find things easier to deal with.

Paul said it like this, “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how-to live-in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13.  We must be content in any situation God places us in, for He knows the end from the beginning and however He uses us, it will be good.  “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 6:19

Verse of the Day: Matthew 6:19

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,” – Matthew 6:19

Where are our treasures?  More importantly, what are our treasures?  What is it that means the most to us?  Are they things down here which are subject to decay or can be taken away from us by thieves?

I want to first say it is ok to have nice things.  However, they must be in proper perspective.  Remember what Jesus said to the rich young ruler.  Mat 19:21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” It was not because it was wrong to have stuff.  It was wrong to place these earthly possessions above Christ.  In the next verse, it says “When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”  His stuff was more important than following Christ.

If these earthly things get in the way of doing God’s will, then we may need to separate ourselves from them.  For nothing takes precedence over God and His will.  Again, it is ok to have nice things, but God’s work is more important.  Jesus summed it up best when He said, Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

Luke 12:51

Verse of the Day Devotion Luke 12:51 

“Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.” – Luke 12:51   

Jesus here in this section is telling the disciples what His purpose was for coming here.  We read the following from Luke. “I have come to cast fire upon the earth.” Luke 12:49a. This verse can be more clearly understood when we look at what Peter wrote. “But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:7.  There is a time coming when judgement will come; when the current heavens and earth will be destroyed by fire, along with those who are ungodly and refuse to accept the salvation made available by Christ.  However, the godly people have a different fate. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16.  And then in the next verse He says, “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.” John 3:17.  In these three verses, we see that Jesus came into this world to call out those who accept Christ as savior, and to bring judgement to those who will not.

Then at the end of verse 49 we read, “and how I wish it were already kindled!” Luke 12:49b. The idea here is that Jesus longed for the completion of his mission, which was as yet incomplete. And in the next verse, we see what this act of completion will be. “But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” Luke 12:50. So, what is this baptism He needs to undergo?  It is not the baptism as we understand it, which was accomplished in chapter 3. “Now it came about when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased.” Luke 3:21-22. The baptism alluded to here refers to an answer given to James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “And they said to Him, Grant that we may sit in Your glory, one on Your right, and one on Your left. But Jesus said to them, You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” Mark 10:37-38. The baptism here forms a parallelism with the ‘cup’ Jesus was to drink and refers to Jesus’ passion and death. According to theologian Robert Stein, this image being found in these two different Gospels indicate it was well-known and that the early church would have understood both Jesus’ baptism and drinking the cup as references to his death.

Then Jesus says why He came. “Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51-53. Now, this can easily be taken out of context.  What Jesus is saying is not that His purpose was to bring division, but that His calling here of preaching the gospel will ultimately bring division because not everyone will accept it.  And I believe because He went to the Jews to declare the truth, this would bring incredible division between those who believe Jesus and those who do not and choose to stay with the Jewish belief system of their day.

And we see a lot of division in our culture today.  This is not what Jesus came to do, but as stated above, it is the result of people who choose not to believe.  Many people will not accept the Christian beliefs of another which will cause a chasm to grow between them. It is important that we do not give up on those who do not believe but continue to be that light which shines out in the world declaring the love of Christ for all. Who knows if our life lived out in their midst will make a difference in their lives.     

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Psalm 100:1

Verse of the Day Devotion Psalm 100:1 

“Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.” – Psalm 100:1  

The key theme of Psalm 100 is that the Lord’s great and good attributes and actions deserve joyful worship by all humans. This psalm calls on the universal audience of people in the whole earth  to serve the Lord as their God because he has created them and he cares for them with his faithful love and faithfulness. Isaiah has a similar idea in chapter 56. “Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD, To be His servants, everyone who keeps from profaning the sabbath, And holds fast My covenant; Even those I will bring to My holy mountain And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” Isaiah 56:6-7.

God is calling all people to worship Him.  Note the last three words in our focus verse, ‘all the earth’.  The Lord here is presented as the only God worthy of worship not just by Israel, but all nations; everyone on the earth.  The first two verses are a call to praise the Lord, which in the Hebrew is yehôvâh, which does not refer to any god but the true God, Jehovah, or Yahweh.  “A Psalm for Thanksgiving. Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.  Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.” Psalm 100:1-2.  When we serve Him, which has the meaning of worship, it should be done exuberantly, with great joy and gladness.  The Hebrew word for gladness here is śimchâh which has the idea of joy, mirth, pleasure, and gaiety. We can also worship Him as we see in Psalm 2. “Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, lest He become angry, and you perish in the way, For His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!”  Psalm 2:11-12.  But here in our focus verse, it is with joyfulness and thanksgiving.

Then, in verse 3 we see the reason for this praise. “Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3.  Our God is the only God.  He made us, not ourselves or anything else.  And we are His people.  It is evident that the Lord who created humans also cares for them as his flock and that what the Lord has done in shepherding Israel he also does for all the earth, because he has always had a mission that encompasses the whole earth. “For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you would hear His voice.” Psalm 95:8.  And He will bless those who bless His people. “And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3.

We are called to praise and be thankful to Him.  “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, And His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name.” Psalm 100:4.  God has given us so much.  He meets all our needs and we are, therefore, to give Him honor and give ourselves completely to Him.  And the reason for this praise and worship due Him?  “For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, And His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5.  We are called to give Him all praise and glory we can muster.  For He is good, and He loves us beyond our understanding.  He is a faithful in all things, to all generations. This is essentially Hesed, which denotes the limitless nature of grace and divine mercies. There is no limit to His goodness and mercy, and there is no way we, as His children, cannot be thankful for the mercy and grace He has shown to us.

And because of all this in Psalm 100, we must show our gratefulness to Him because He has provided a way for us to be His children, for He sent His Son Jesus to die for us to pay the penalty for our sins.  C.S. Lewis put it so well in his book ‘Mere Christianity’, where he said, “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”  Without this, our fate was sealed in eternal torment.  He provided a way for all to have a glorious and beautiful eternal life with Him, and all we need to do is believe and accept this work He did for us.  And this is why He deserves joyous and exuberant praise and worship from all the people on earth.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.

Exodus 20:4

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Exodus 20:4

“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.” – Exodus 20:4

In the first commandment, God declared He was the true God, and everything else was not.  He commanded that He alone should be worshipped and here He makes clear what is unlawful worship.  In the next two verses He states, “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”  Exodus 20:5-6. 

In these three verses God shows that He is the one to be worshipped and non-other. We are not to make for ourselves idols.  We are not to make anything from any material into any image for the purpose of worship.  Under the leadership of Moses himself, figures of cherubim, brazen serpents, oxen, and many other things in the earth beneath, were made and never condemned.   What was condemned was making anything for the purpose of worshipping it.  And you see from our focus verse there is no exception for any image.  He states that we are not to make any likeness of things in the heavens, or on the earth, or in the seas.  This includes everything.  The things in heaven include but not limited to stars, planets, the sun and moon.  This can also include angels since they are in the heavens. In regard to the things of the earth again include but not limited to oxen, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, calves, etc.  Many animals were made idols/false gods in Egypt.  And of the water fish and crocodiles which were also gods of Egypt, along with anything else in the waters. 

They were told not to bow down to anything that they make and thus make it an idol.  They were not to serve them in a capacity or perform any religious activities to them.  For if they did, they were dishonoring the true God.   And He tells them He is a jealous God.  This shows in a most expressive manner the love of God to this people. He felt for them as the most affectionate husband could do for his spouse; and was jealous for their fidelity, because he willed their invariable happiness.  And if they did create an idol, their sons and remote descendants inherit the consequences of their fathers’ sin in disease, poverty, captivity, with all the influences of bad example and evil communications.  We see this idea from the writer of Lamentations where he said, “Our fathers sinned, and are no more; It is we who have borne their iniquities.” 

Now to those who love God and keep His commandments not because works provided anything, but because of their love for Him, He shows mercy and kindness.  He performs acts of grace and helps them by showing mercy to them.   And those who love Him will worship Him alone, and not creating anything else to worship instead of Him.  Remember the words of Jesus where He says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”. 

And we are called to do the same.  We are not to make anything that we will worship aside from the true God.  There are many religions today who create images of things to worship aside from God.  And we must be careful that we do not fall into this practice.  What can anything we create do to deliver us from our troubles, provide for our needs, or love us beyond what our God does?  We are called to worship the true God only, the one who created all things, including ourselves.  Can these idols do this?  If we choose to create an idol to worship, what we are saying to God is  we do not love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  (See Mark 22:30).  And if we do not, then do we really love Him?

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries. 

Psalm 121:2

Verse of the Day Devotion:  Psalm 121:2  

“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:2

Psalm 121 begins by declaring where help for them who trusts in God actually comes from.  “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?” Psalm 121:1 We are not sure of the author; however, it appears it is someone who is encountering troubles.  He is looking up into the hills and asking where his help is to come from.  Looking up into the hills has the idea of looking for assistance and many times it would come down from the mountains during times of attacks or the coming of thieves.  This turns out to be a rhetorical question, for he immediately answers the question, “My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2.   

How will He help us?  In every situation, He will enable us to stand firm.  “He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.” Psalm 121:3  To stand firm means that He will hold us up and help us to stand strong against whatever is happening.  “For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13.  And He will not go away or slumber but will be with us through it all.  Remember He said, “The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8. 

He is our defender and keeper, the one who preserves us through all trials and strife.  “The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade on your right hand.” He watches over every aspect of our lives.  He does not necessarily prevent all pain and suffering, however He does guarantee protection to us, His people, as He watches over us.  We are to trust that we are safe and secure because He is with us.  “I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; Nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.” Psalm 16:10

He then goes on to say that He will protect us from the heat of the day and the cold of night.  “The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:6.  And He will protect us from all forms of evil, be it spiritual or corporeal, natural or moral.  “The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.” Psalm 121:7-8. In other words, He will preserve us wherever we go, at all time be it day or night.

In this time, we are moving into some difficult times.  There are so many unknowns such as where is our country heading, will we ever overcome this pandemic, and what will our lives be like in the future.  However, I want to encourage everyone to look to Jesus and keep focused on Him in all matters.  “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock.”  Isaiah 26:3-4.  We must not let our minds be absorbed with all this stuff going on in politics and every area other than God.  He has promised to be with us and to bring us safely through.  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.  Trust God in everything.  Give it to Him, knowing that He will be with us and take care of us. 

God knows the good He has for us, the assurance of a great future and hope.  “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11.  Have complete faith in Him no matter what things look like.  The writer of Hebrews told us “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1.  All things God has promised us will happen as He said.  It may not look like it, but there is no other possible outcome.  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;” Hebrews 10:23.

God has promised He would take care of us now, and for all eternity.  “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4.  We must keep our minds focused on God and the things above, for there is our true home.  Focusing  entirely on Him, we will be amazed at the peace that fills our hearts, mind and spirit.    

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.