Though we may suffer in this life, and some are murdered for their faith, is there a promise of preserving our souls for eternal life? Let’s begin in Psalm 121.
A Song of Ascents. (WEB)
Is it a mandate that prayer always be made with our eyes lowered or even closed? May we lift up our eyes as we pray?
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Ps 121:1-2 ESV)
Is God always ready to come to our aid, to protect us? Is this a promise fulfilled in eternity or this life only? What about those who have broken a leg?
He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. (Ps 121:3-4 HCSB)
Does God guard us, even providing something as mundane as shade? What are some other ways that God has refreshed us on life’s journey?
The Lord is your guardian; the Lord is your shade at your right side. The sun will not ravage you by day, nor the moon by night. (Ps 121:5-6 ISV)
Will the Lord protect us from harm, preserving our lives? What about martyrs who are murdered in some countries today?
The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Ps 121:7-8 KJV)
Though Christians are persecuted across Asia and Africa today, and some face death, which may seem to contradict this Psalm, is there an eternal perspective that fulfills these promises?
My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, and they will never perish forever, and no one will seize them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can seize them from the Father’s hand. (John 10:27-29 LSB)
Though we may suffer in this life, and some are murdered for their faith, is there a promise of preserving our souls for eternal life? You decide!
