Our Protector

The Lord will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. Psalm 121:7

Parents do everything in their power to protect their children. They guard them from physical harm, such as illness, injury, unsafe environments, and dangerous people or situations. They also care for their children’s social and emotional well-being, helping them navigate friendships and relationships, shielding them from harmful influences, and stepping in when they are treated unfairly. In addition, parents provide moral and spiritual guidance, steering their children away from choices that could harm their character or future, while teaching them right from wrong and pointing them toward a life grounded in faith.

Some parents might even be seen as overprotective. I’ve heard parents with multiple children say that with each new child, they became a little less anxious and a little less guarded. As a parent of just one, I can remember moments when we were extremely cautious, maybe even overly so, like bringing outlet covers with us on vacation when he was an infant. You may not be a parent yourself, but you’ve had parents. And there were probably times when you felt like they were hovering too much or being overly strict.

So, the question becomes, why do parents go to these measures to protect their children? They love their children. They want what is best for them. They do not want to see them hurt or struggling. They want to help make their lives as fulfilling as possible. 

In Psalm 121, David refers to God as The Protector, or Elohim Shomri. This psalm is part of the Songs of Ascent. It is believed to have been written by David when he was fleeing from King Saul or his son Absalom. Here’s a quick refresher. The Israelites wanted a king like those of their neighboring nations, and God provided them with one in Saul. But Saul did not live up to the challenge or expectations, so God anointed David as King of Israel while Saul was still alive. And God blessed David. Saul was so jealous of David that he made many attempts on his life. During this period of intense danger, David hid in the hills, and he took time to acknowledge God as his Protector. 

Psalm 121 uses the word ‘protect’ five times in just eight verses. The name, Elohim Shomri, highlights God as a personal guardian and watcher. Psalm 121 reminds us that God is not a distant or distracted protector. Verses 3-4 tell us that He doesn’t slumber or sleep. He is constantly aware, constantly present, and constantly guarding His people. How encouraging to know that God’s attention never wavers and that He never loses interest in us. 

Like a parent to a child, God loves us and wants what is best for us. He watches over our every step. He leads and guides us. He provides opportunities for us. He offers joy and contentment. He gives us gifts to use to serve others. He keeps us out of trouble. I don’t know about you, but I don’t even want to think about where my life might be if I did not have Jesus. When we do go astray, He is there to redirect and offer grace. We may face consequences, but He helps us through them. And when troubles and hard times come, He still protects and comforts. When my mother was walking through Alzheimer’s, I saw so many ways that God protected and worked for our good. 

As humans, we tend to seek safety and security in things like people, circumstances, or solutions we can see. But the psalmist in Psalm 121 redirects our focus upward. Verses 1-2 read, “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” True help and protection don’t come from what surrounds us, it comes from the One who created it all. 

Life will not be free from hardship, struggle, or challenge. God never promised that, but He did promise that He is always with us. We are never unprotected. God’s protection is steady, personal, and eternal. Verse 8 of Psalm 121 says, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” What a reassuring and affirming truth! Because He is our Protector, we have no reason to fear, worry, doubt, or complain. Let’s claim this truth today!

Call to Action
Where have you been seeking help or security lately? What have you been afraid of or worrying about? What would it look like to intentionally “lift your eyes” back to God today?

Spend some time in God’s presence reflecting on the truth that He is with you and for you and you can rest knowing that He is your Protector. 

Digging Deeper

Take time to read Psalm 121 and circle the words 'protect' and 'Protector'. You can also check out these verses on God’s protection: Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 91:1-4, Proverbs 18:10, 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

Prayer
God, thank You for loving me so much that You are my constant Protector. When I feel uncertain or vulnerable, help me to remember that You never stop watching over me. Teach me to trust Your care in every step I take.

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens