Psalm 120-121 Perfect Timing Again From God

What I’ve been through since I read Psalm 119 last Thursday.  My younger son was hospitalized that night with an overdose of cough medicine in another state, having to change my flights to get there sooner, missing a flight because the plane had to wait 35 minutes on the tarmac for a gate … three days in the hospital with him instead of fun time spent with him… Having to move him back home for a few days before getting ready to head to a new aftercare, because he was kicked out of his present one …Finding another godly aftercare and making plans to get there, only to have him defy me here, in spite of the fact that the records indicate that he had a heart attack in the hospital before I even arrived!  (My parents are unaware of this.  Please do not share if you know them.  They would be crushed.)

I had planned to read my commentary’s 15 pages about Psalm 119 today.  I had prayed Psalm 119 over my son in the hospital while he slept.  But God nudged me to go on, and as always His timing was perfect.

The worshiper who wrote Psalm 120 had been prevented by circumstances from attending a religious feast.  He knew that worship is a privilege…. “When we find ourselves experiencing distress and disappointment, we have three responsibilities to fulfill if our burdens are to become blessings,” my commentary says.  “We must pray, we must trust God, and we must patiently endure.”  Perfect timing, Father!

Psalm 121 concerns God’s keeping or protection over His people, and I certainly need that right now!  It lists several assurances for believers to remind them of God’s care:

“My Father’s creation is before me… Satan and his demonic army may be at work opposing the saints, but this is STILL our Father’s world.”

“My Father’s eyes are upon me … The Lord is concerned about our feet and our walk … Even while we sleep, God watches over us because He does not go to sleep.”

“My Father’s presence is beside me … Our Keeper is not only on the throne looking down on us, but He is at our side to shield us from all harm … The things that God permits to happen to us in His will may hurt us, but they will not harm us … Day and night our Father is with us to shelter us from that which could harm us … whatever the changes might be, the Father’s presence provides all that we need … The shadow of the Almighty covers us.”

“My Father’s care is around me … We need not fear life or death, today or tomorrow, time or eternity, for we are in the loving care of the Father … In His grace, He turns into good the things we think are evil.  In the Bible, Joseph had to endure many trials, all because of his brothers’ sins.  But in the end, he was able to say, ‘You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.’  The Father is concerned about … even the so-called minor details that we too often take for granted … The Father is with us and cares for our every need … and His loving care will go on forever … God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Father, such incredible timing!  Exactly what I needed today.  Help me to stay the course and to trust completely in You.  Guard my health and strengthen my trust in You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford