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Psalm 121:7-8 (nkj)

"The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."

People (including myself) talk about self-preservation. We go about life trying to keep hurt and harm at an arms length, trying to prevent ourselves from getting damaged. If we have been hurt, or we fear being hurt, we behave and relate to people in a way that protects and guards the heart and soul from getting hurt and broken. The thing is, though, we don't really have to live like this. We can love people with an open hand and heart having full confidence that God is preserving our souls for us. He preserves your "going out and your coming in": everywhere you go and everywhere you are - driving your car, walking out your front door, walking back in your front door, going about your business throughout the day - he is preserving every step you take. The things that matter to your life, the soul things, He watches over and preserves in all you do. And the writer of this psalm must really 'get' it. He must get that we need to be looked after so we don't shrivel up and die like a piece of old neglected fruit. He says the word "preserve" three times. You need to be held, guarded and protected as you live in this broken world.

You may actually feel like a shriveled up piece of fruit left out in the sun, not remembered and preserved at all. You may have just lost a job (your income), the person you loved, a best friend, or maybe over the years loneliness and grief have left you discouraged and hopeless. Perhaps your mind is breaking under the pressures of work and family responsibilities. But, sweet soul, He is watching over you forevermore. You are still alive because of His-preservation. And He preserves you for great things.
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