URC Daily Devotion 2 July 2026

Psalm 121
 
I lift up my eyes to the hills — from where will 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.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
 
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at 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 on and for evermore.
 
Reflection
 
“I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where will my help come?” Psalm 121 has taken on new meaning for me since leaving Eastbourne, a place shaped by hills, cliffs, and long horizons. Those landscapes are woven into my sense of home, and whenever I hear this Psalm, they rise in my mind again, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort amid life changes. Lifting eyes to the hills, the Psalmist had not yet reached the destination, but strongly trusted in God’s divine presence to sustain through the journey, no matter the challenges or circumstances lying ahead. Similarly, having started my first year of ministerial training, I find myself looking at the journey ahead.
 
Training often encompasses moments of uncertainty and new ways of navigating through the different responsibilities to carry, the times of stillness and the joys of the unexpected and unknown. In those moments, the Psalm’s assurance speaks deeply: “He will not let your foot be moved.” God’s keeping is not fragile or sporadic; it is firm, protective, and unwavering. We are reminded that our foundation is not our own competence or confidence but God’s faithfulness and grace, on which we are able to balance firmly, while environments around us are constantly changing. When everything around us feels in motion, God remains the ground on which we stand.
 
This Psalm also invites us to trust in God’s constant presence: “The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in.” There is great comfort in knowing that we are never walking this journey alone. Whether we are stepping into something new, finding our way through uncertainty, or simply learning to grow, God is both companion and guardian.
 
As I continue in this first year of training, Psalm 121 anchors me. Whatever road you are on, trust in the solid foundation and the promise of God’s watchfulness in your journey of life, having the courage to take the next steps.
 
Prayer
 
Faithful God,
as we lift our eyes to the hills, 
steady our steps and strengthen our hearts.
In moments of uncertainty, 
be our sure foundation; 
in times of change, be our constant guide.
Keep our going out and our coming in, 
that we may walk with courage, trust, and hope.
Lead us onward in your presence, now and always.
Amen