Psalm 121:6

Psalm 121:6

The sun and the moon

We can all agree with the sentiments of the previous verse, there have been many occasions when we have sought shade from the glaring heat of the sun. Obviously, the hotter the climate, the more eagerly shade is sought. But, who on earth fears the moon at night? The moon only offers partial light, produces no heat being a reflection only of the sun, and is not often in its fullest phase or even directly above us. I suspect therefore, that the sun and moon are being used here as representative of those things that distress or threaten us, be it day or night. Isaiah uses a similar analogy when he writes, “You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. For the breath of the ruthless is like a storm driving against a wall and like the heat of the desert. You silence the uproar of foreigners; as heat is reduced by the shadow of a cloud, so the song of the ruthless is stilled.” Isaiah 25:4-5. 

Remember the author is likening his relationship with the Lord to a trek through the mountains. The prospect initially filled him with dread, he saw his desperate need of help and now he is reassured that the Lord will provide this, be it day or night. As we have seen, we too are on a dangerous journey of faith where there are many pitfalls and difficult paths to follow. How reassuring it is, to know that the Lord watches over us during the day and through the oppressive heat when the sun is at its highest, but He is also with us in the midnight hours. We have nothing to fear, we may sleep soundly and without disturbance. This is truly a journey of faith but we all suffer from lack of such faith. Many of us have endured times of anxiety and stress, wondering what will happen to us, feeling out of control of situations, longing for certainty and calm. Listen, the Lord is with us, He will not fail us. His protection and care are as real as the sun and moon in the sky! Hallelujah!

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