A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem

I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
Psalm 121

Dear God, see, this is one of those psalms that’s a nice sentiment, but I don’t think it’s theologically solid. At least not in the way we like to think of you keeping us from harm, for example. The last two verses were the verses of the day for Bible Gateway. My problem is, if I were to read them and just take them literally them I would have a distorted vision of what you owe me in our relationship.

And I’ve been there before. I’ve been disappointed in you when I’ve come across times of struggle from which I thought you should have better protected me. But I was wrong. You might be working it all out for my good, but I might never see what that means on this side of life.

Father, I appreciate the sentiment of giving these pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem a song to sing together. I appreciate that they were worshipping you. And I appreciate them singing of your love for us and how much you care about us. I would just add that sometimes suffering or even harm are going to happen, and you won’t keep it from us. That’s okay. It’s just part of your world and plan I do not understand. But I trust you. I love you. I worship you.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen