In the world today, people seek all sorts of protection. We take out different kinds of insurance. I live in an apartment and every night, a security company sends someone to ensure all our doors are locked. Important people like government officials are often accompanied by armed guards. Properties containing valuable equipment are put under 24-hour surveillance. Yet none of these protections are foolproof. That’s why Psalm 121 is one of the most treasured of all psalms—because it assures the believer of the one sure and certain protection in life.

In times of trouble, the psalmist looks to the mountains (v. 1). Just as hills surrounded Jerusalem, so God surrounds and protects His people. Then the psalmist portrays God as his guard who watches over him.

When we worked overseas, we had a nightwatchman. His job was to guard our safety—unfortunately, he slept most of the night. The Lord isn’t that kind of guard. A guard’s first duty is to stay awake and alert. If he doesn’t, the city may be caught by surprise and fall to its enemy. The promise of the psalm is that, since God is our protector who is constantly watching over us, we can be sure that no harm can ever befall us (v. 7).

This is a wonderful comfort, but we might wonder: How can that be true? I’ve slipped and fallen over (v. 3). I’ve been sunburnt (v. 6). I’ve been injured in a car accident. I’ve been admitted to hospital. My business has gone bust. I’ve been verbally abused and physically attacked for my faith in God. We heard in Psalm 119 the writer’s repeated cries of affliction. Psalm 120 began with a cry of distress. Such is the suffering of those who believe; how, then, can Psalm 121 promise that nothing will harm us?

The Lord Jesus made the same promise to His disciples. While warning them of persecution and even death, He assured them that “not a hair of your head will perish” (Luke 21:18). The disciples found later in life that we will, in fact, be hurt in this life—but the real security God offers is eternal. Nothing will separate us from the love of God, who always watches over us (Romans 8:38).

When we came to Christ, God began a good work in our life, and His promise is to “carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). When we sing “Amazing Grace” we remember:

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

Spiritual safety throughout our life is the wonderful assurance we find in Psalm 121.