The Lord is our keeper
Chris and I are part of the Vickery Meadows gospel community. This group was formed around a desire to serve refugees in the area. A refugee is defined as “a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster”. Usually, a refugee enters a new country with very little possessions and, most of the time, they do not know the language or have an immediate opportunity to provide a livelihood for their family. There are a lot of practical needs of a refugee - learning a new language, getting a job, learning how to drive, providing food for one’s family, etc.
To help refugees become successful in their new culture, members of our group help them by taking them to doctor’s appointments, teaching their children, and bringing them the gospel. They provide the structure, guidelines and attention needed to help the refugees succeed in their new land. Members take guardianship and care over the refugees as they mature in understanding of the new culture.
In Psalm 121, the Hebrew word “shamar” is used a half a dozen times. This word means “to keep, guard, watch over, attend to carefully”. When we accept Christ and submit to Him as our Lord and Savior, we are brought into His Kingdom and yet are still “sojourners and exiles” (I Peter 2:11) awaiting the fulfillment of His Kingdom in its entirety. Similarly to our refugee friends, we, too, as believers need someone who has the knowledge and patience to come and care for our needs as we wait for heaven. This psalm was written to remind God’s people that His care for them is unwavering. For the Israelites on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, it instilled a confidence as they journeyed to the promise land. As you read this psalm, may you have the same confidence instilled in you as you trust in our good Father to care for your needs throughout this week.
-- Dana Holtkamp