“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4) 

                God knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  Last year as a church family, we read through the Bible.  During the month of August the schedule took us to the Psalms and on that particular morning it brought me to Psalm 121.  At the time, prominent on my mind and a prominent topic in mine and Karen’s conversations was the fact that we now had two children in high school, even more; we had a senior, Kristin.  That meant in a year, she would be heading off to college.  Well, today, those thoughts and conversations become reality as today is the day we move Kristin to Auburn University to begin a new phase of her life, and a certain transition for our family.  Today is also the day where God’s Word’s in this psalm become more real to me than ever.  These years have flown by.  I didn’t really believe it when people used to tell me that they would, but it’s true.  I can still remember as if it was yesterday when we put her on the school bus for the first time as she started kindergarten.  As the bus drove away, the tears flowed, not Kristin’s, but mine and Karen’s.  When we leave her today, they’ll be no bus to bring her home when school’s out.      

            “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” My Bible titles Psalm 121 My Help Comes from the LORD.  It is a fitting title because it is God’s supernatural strength that we must all rely on as we live out His will.  The specific purpose of this psalm was to give confidence to those traveling to Jerusalem in order to attend the feasts and worship in the temple.  It expresses the LORD’s tireless care and sovereign protection throughout all of one’s life.  As His child, you can be assured He’s always there.   

            Encountering God’s Word is encountering God.  It’s where He reveals Himself to us and challenges us to walk according to His statutes.  But it is also where He encourages and comforts us with His promises.  God knew I needed the comfort of Psalm 121 last August, and He knows that from today forward, I’ll need it even more.  In just a few years, Logan will follow Kristin and take the next step in his life’s journey.  I know many parents in similar situations as Karen and I, a point of having to let go as never before.  It’s a great moment in many ways for your children, but at the same time, a frightening one for you.  Be comforted by the promise of this psalm.  We have a God we can trust.  So all of our preparations are complete; we’ve purchased the necessities for her dorm room and the cars are packed.  At the end of the day today we’ll leave, and as we have, we’ll continue to pray for Kristin.  And we’ll pray that in our absence God will continue to watch over her.  I know He will.  He always has.  After all, it’s in His arms where she’s most secure.  “From where does my help come?  My help comes from the LORD…”  Thank you God! 

 Prayer

Father, I trust you and thank you for watching over Kristin.  I know that as she sleeps, you won’t; when she moves about, you’ll be there; and if she falls, you’ll catch her.  It’s our tendency sometimes to hold tighter to the one’s we love the most.  Father, as our children grow, and as they go, help us as parents to know, that it is in your arms that we give them.  Help us to be comforted by that.  Be with those we love and keep them safe.  Thank you for your ever watchful eye.  Amen!