looking up

I am doing a Beth Moore Study - called Stepping Up - the Psalms of Ascent - and I am actually not doing this in a group setting, but I am doing this on my own.  Just wanted an in depth study during summer, and have always wanted to do this one.  So I am.

Yesterday and again today, my thoughts were focused on Psalm 121 - a psalm that I love.  I often read this Psalm to Omi (Mom Klassen's mom) when she was dying, and I also read this Psalm to Mom as well.  I love it.   It directs my gaze upward.

It talks about our Lord God as our helper, our protector along our journey.  Yes ... along the journey!  And what a journey we are on.  Each of our journeys are different - but none the less are not always easy.  My journey has been full of uphill climbs and down hill coasting ... it has been full of mountain top experiences as well as deep valley lows  The journey has not been an easy one, but it has been one where I have been stretched, and grown and changed to become the woman that I am today.  Sometimes I don't recognize myself or the life now ... but I know who has carried me through all the steps and the journey, and I am thankful that HE, my Lord, is the one fully in control.  Yes FULLY ... even though I still ask him many "WHY GOD?" questions.

At the end of today's Quiet Time, I was asked in study to transform PSALM 121 into my own prayer:
Here it is.  Perhaps you could write your own too, based on this favorite Psalm 121.

My Psalm 121

I stand and look

my face upward toward heaven

to ward you O Lord, MY God.

You are the One who is my helper at all times

you watch over each step I take and you guard me along my journey

I don't have to worry because you are always alert

you are watching and waiting.

You never get tired or sleep

You always watch over me - like a parent over their child

watching every rise and fall of my chest with each breath

listening for every sound that is murmured or spoken

watching for danger or distractions along the way

When the heat of this present life overwhelms me and threatens to sap all my strength

You provide the shade, and the green grass to rest in

You give me what I need to renew, refuel and refresh

It doesn't matter what time of day or night

You are there.

You keep my from harm

in the past

in my present day

and in the future

You care about each step of my journey

You love me so much

You direct each step I take and when I can't walk another step

you will carry me when I am too tired.

You have been

You are, and

You always will be

my helper

my protector

my Sovereign God.

And I love you so much.

So very very much.