Thursday, March 12, 2009

ABC's of The Word

Before I begin my "ABC's", I'd like to thank everyone who has been praying for and thinking of me during my recent illness. I'm glad to report today that my temperature is finally down to 99 from a high of almost 104, and I'm beginning to feel semi-human! So, a big thank you to all of you!!


Pam at Grey Like Snuffie hosts ABC's of the Word on Thursday's. It's a fun way to explore and learn new Bible verses each week, working our way through the alphabet. Be sure and visit Pam and all those who join in. Maybe you'd like to join in this week!!



This week we are using the letter:




And the word that I have chosen is:

EYES

Psalm 121

I lift my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of Heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip--
He who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, He who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

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 forever.

Just a little background--when this Psalm was written, and the psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills, what did he see?

He saw idol worshipers, temples to Baal. People would come to these hills and the Baal worshipers seeking help and guidance.

So, when he was saying, "I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?", he was asking himself:

"Does my help come from these idol worshipers nestled in the mountains?"

"No, my help comes only from The LORD--the Creator of Heaven and earth--and the LORD watches over me every minute of every day of my life--He never sleeps. He is with me now and forever."



Please be sure to stop by The Power of Your Love for my "Thankful Thursday" post.

Beth




12 comments:

Denise said...

Great word, and scripture. I hope you are feeling better.

pam said...

Glad you're feeling better...keep it up Lord! I am so thankful He gave me this idea...every week I am SO encouraged and the Words seem so fitting for this moment.

Yolanda said...

Eyes....windows to our souls.

Aunt Kathy said...

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me

ellen b. said...

Beautiful Psalm and encouragement. May God bless you richly...

Winging It said...

I often think of this scripture, "where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,the Maker of Heaven and earth."

Echoes of my heart here!

Happy to meet you!
Maria

Tealady said...

Hi Beth,

I am so glad you added commentary to your Psalm. I had a lightbulb moment. You're so right -- the early Israelites disobeyed YHWH and continued the idol worship of the peoples they were ordered to conquer. They did have their forbidden idols and altars in the high places. Thanks for adding another layer of depth to Psalm 121.

All the best, Lana

Anonymous said...

We do need to keep our eyes on God..there is so much to take away our focus..but He is there ready and waiting to help us in all our circumstances. Daily prayer for obedience is vital.
Thank you for this.

Kathy b

Carol said...

Glad you are feeling better. Thank you for sharing on this verse. I didn't understand the part about looking to the Hills.

Carol

Kay Martin said...

So happy you are better. Do take care of yourself; many of us love and need you.

E....love your thoughts. Extravagant comes to my mind. When I think of who I am without Christ I have to say my Savior has been extravagant in His mercy, love, restoration and ongoing favor. Oh, what an extravagant love He has for each of us. Love so extravagant and ongoing we cannot fully comprehend it, but I so desire to receive all of it I can take in and flow out ot others.

NotJustLaura said...

I didn't know that about the hills and the Baal worshippers so thanks for a little education :)

Carrie said...

What a beautiful interpretation of this wonderful passage from the Psalms!