“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (121:1-3)

These Psalms revitalized my soul today. I find myself in a season of life where I cannot fully wrap my mind around how much the LORD has helped me. He answers prayers, even the ones I could never think to pray. He has opened doors I would never have the gumption to knock on. He is truly amazing and my soul sings along with these psalms in praise.

“The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.” (121:5-6)

Right now, Europe is at the apex of a massive heat wave. I’ve felt feverish for days. The sun is so oppressive, even in the morning, as temperatures begin climbing into the hundreds. My friends and I find ourselves chasing shade, even if it takes us down strange paths. The direct sunlight is just too much.

Seeing the LORD described as shade today felt especially poignant. He shields us from harshness. He spares us from “the worst of it” more times than we notice. The sun is definitely out to smite us right now, so I stay indoors, even though summer is supposed to be the time we live outdoors (according to my Oregonian background).

What in your life feels like the harsh sun right now, ready to smite you? How do you see the hand of the LORD shading you from it’s full power?

He helps us, He holds us. He’s the best.

-Bethany