Shamar

My life has been flowing rather smoothly since August 14th when I shared deep fears with my dear and very precious husband.  BUT yesterday I received news that "shook" my world a bit and I felt that all too familiar feeling of fear poke its head into my heart again.  I texted a sweet friend about it last night and she texted back, "Praying for peace to rule in your heart... you are free from fear.  He is in control!"  I went to sleep giving all over to the Lord and slept so peacefully.

I am going through Beth Moore's Bible Study Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent.  The study focuses on Psalms 120-134... the Psalms of Ascent.  This morning's study focused on Psalm 121; one of my favorite passages in the Bible.
Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills.
    From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot be moved;
    He who keeps you will not slumber.
 Behold, He who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    He will keep your life.
 The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore.

What a comfort this Psalm is to my heart.  Isn't it beautiful?  

The Lord will keep.  The Lord will protect. The Lord will guard.  Keep, protect and guard.  Each of these words comes from the root word transliterated shamar, meaning "to keep, guard... to preserve, protect; to watch." (from Webster's New World Hebrew Dictionary) 

What is happening in your life right now or is there a current need that you or a loved one has that is causing you great concern?  Let these words flow over you... The Lord is our protector!  The Lord will protect you from all harm!  The Lord will protect your life!  The Lord will protect your coming and going now and always!

On Tuesday I will get more answers on the news I received yesterday.  Whatever I learn, I know that the Lord already knows.  I can rest in Him who never falls asleep when things are going smoothly or is never jolted awake when the earth rumbles under my feet. He is in perfect attendance to my every step.

I will look to Him and rest in His keeping, guarding, protecting presence.  Shamar... a beautiful word to give thanks for today.