Thursday, February 26, 2026

Lent Day 8

Psalm 121: 5-8

The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand;  the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;  the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. 

REFLECTION

Dave’s Thoughts:  This is one of my favorite psalms.  A friend of mine gave me a bookmark with Psalm 121 printed on it when I was preparing to hike the Appalachian Trail, and since it was so light I carried it with me.  The words took on new meaning as I dealt with sunburn, scrapes and bumps, sore muscles, wild critters, rain, and other fun things that came with the amazing vistas and beautiful scenery.  In some ways, long-distance hiking is a metaphor for life: while it can be amazing and beautiful, there is usually a fair amount of suffering that goes along with it.  Knowing that God has my back–and front, and both sides!--gives me the courage to endure the scrapes and bumps of life and wait for the good stuff. 

Colin’s Thoughts:  Why the right hand, why is he the shade in our right hand and not our left?

Reflection by Colin & David 

CONSIDER

When do you find it most difficult to trust that God will protect you from harm?  Whom or what do you rely on in those situations?  

PRAYER

God, when I am feeling scared, or hurt, or angry, or resentful, or jealous, please remind me that you watch over my life and are always with me.  Amen.

FAITH IN ACTION 

Take a hike. 

DAILY GRATITUDE

Take a moment to name one thing you are grateful for today.

BIBLE NOTE: Some psalms were written for pilgrims traveling to worship.

🌿 Return to one of the Seven Spiritual Practices today.