ENGAGE WITH US! Share Your Thoughts! – Email us at – Walk.with.God.WBK@gmail.com – with your comments and questions. We would love to hear from you. Our September 1 podcast will feature listener comments and answers to your Bible questions. SHOW NOTES: The Songs of Ascent prepared the hearts of Jewish pilgrims as they were walking toward Jerusalem for one of the three main feasts. These different scripture passages served as truthful reminders of the Lord and His many attributes. When we read and reflect on these Psalms, our hearts and minds swell with praise and gratitude for the almighty, powerful God of heaven and earth. Psalm 121 is a comfort in the midst of troubles and difficult times. He is our Helper, Keeper, and Protector. What an encouraging Psalm to study this week in our time together! Tonights' Scripture: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%20121&version=NIV (Psalm 121) Walk with God TRANSCRIPT: Journey through Psalms BRENDA Hey Friends! My name is Brenda and we are glad you have joined us. A few days ago, Walt and I were reviewing the podcast stats with our “boss,” Rick, and we were very encouraged and we are thankful for you – our listeners. The number is growing and there are listeners now in 16 countries! Wow! We would love to hear from you. Would you email us your comments and questions – Walk.With.God.WBK@gmail.com ? Check the Show Notes to confirm our email address. Psalm 121 – The Lord the Keeper of Israel. A Song of Ascents. This Pilgrim Hymn affirms that all true help comes from the Lord who is the Keeper of Israel. (Dr. Charles Ryrie) WALT All Powerful Creator – Psalm 121:1-2 1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. We, as readers, need to ask questions about the Biblical text. The first question we ask is … What is the setting? Jewish families are traveling together on their way to Jerusalem for one of the three main feasts. If they are coming from the Galilee region, walking south along the Jordan River Valley, they could look to the east and see the mountains of Jordan rising up. Then, looking west they would see the mountains of Samaria and the Judean Wilderness as they got closer to Jericho (864 ft. below Sea Level). From the lowest point on the earth, these travelers would go “Up to Jerusalem” at 2,400 ft. This is a difference in elevation of more than 3,200 ft. – climbing up … It makes sense this Psalm would be spoken aloud as they walked to Jerusalem – “I lift my eyes to the mountains.” When I read Psalm 121, I am reminded of this verse from one of Jesus’ parables … The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30) “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and he fell among robbers and they stripped him and beat him, and went off leaving him half dead.” This parable is about a traveler on the Jericho road, though only about 15 miles as the crow flies, the road winds through the rocky Judean Wilderness. BRENDA When we need help, we cry out to the Lord – The All Powerful Creator The LORD is our Keeper – Psalm 121:3-5 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. Have you ever slipped on loose gravel as you were walking along a rocky path? There are stones everywhere in Israel and it is very easy to slip. REPETITION of the Biblical Text 1. Stresses the importance of this Truth! 2. Firmly reminds the readers! • v. 3 – He who keeps you • v. 4 – Behold, He who keeps Israel • v. 5 – The Lord is your keeper Then, He will not slumber – to sleep lightly (v. 3) He will neither slumber nor sleep (v. 4) • Sleep is the natural rest or repose intended by the Creator to restore the powers of the body and mind, when exhausted or fatigued. • BUT, the LORD never gets exhausted or fatigued. v. 5 –...