Hope Remains

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. Psalm 121:7-8

In Psalm 121:7, the psalmist declares, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life.” That’s a bold promise. All harm? Really?

I wrestle with these words. I have known the pain of losing our first child at just six months old. I have friends battling cancer, a friend’s granddaughter recently born with unexpected birth defects, and others enduring the heartbreak of divorce. The suffering in this world is real, deep, and often overwhelming.

So how do we reconcile these words with the brokenness around us?

In a recent women’s study, At His Feet: Psalms, we explored a profound truth: the psalmist understands that there is a greater danger than hardship or suffering. The ultimate harm is separation from God. That is the one thing we truly cannot bear. And yet, through every valley, every storm, and every heartbreak, God is with us. He is present in our darkest moments, standing beside us, watching over us.

Having walked the valley of grief for over 30 years since the loss of our son, I can testify to this truth: God has never left me. He has watched over my coming and going. He has given me strength to keep going, a new purpose, and a new song to sing. The trials of this world do not have the final say. Jesus does.

For Reflection

• What deep pain or hardships have you faced?

• During these times, in what ways have you experienced God’s presence? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance that no matter what we face, we are never beyond your presence. Even in suffering, you are with us. Remind us that harm and evil do not win the battle—you do. Keep our eyes fixed on you, our ever-present help. Amen