Psalm 121 in a time of war
Praying for CMJ Israel staff during this conflict
Psalm 121:4 declares: Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Though written thousands of years ago, these words speak with striking clarity into moments of uncertainty and danger.
Over the past ten days, the Middle East has once again become the focus of global attention. The conflict, involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, has intensified into full-scale war. Military strikes, missile attacks, and escalating rhetoric have placed millions of people on edge.
Here in Israel, the sound of sirens, the movement to shelters, closed schools, and apprehension about the future have become part of daily life.
Against this backdrop of geopolitical anxiety, Psalm 121 offers a hopeful perspective on security and protection. The psalm invites us to lift our eyes beyond immediate circumstances and remember that behind the shifting events of history stands the God who watches over His people.
Psalm 121 belongs to a group of psalms that Jewish pilgrims sang as they traveled up to Jerusalem for the great festivals—the Songs of Ascent. The journey often meant long days on rugged roads through the Judean hills, where travelers were exposed to danger.
Within this context, the psalm begins with a deeply human question: I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? (Psalm 121:1).
The answer is immediate and decisive: My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2).
Verse 4 deepens the assurance that security does not rest in geography, alliances, or human strength but in the Creator. The “keeper” of Israel (Hebrew: shomer) never sleeps. Shomer refers to a guardian or watchman, one who carefully protects what has been entrusted to them. Watchmen grow tired. Soldiers must rest. Leaders become weary. Even the most advanced protection systems have limits. God, however, does not.
Psalm 121 does not promise that danger will disappear, nor that God’s people will never face hardship. Instead, it reminds us that, even in anxious times, God remains present and active within history.
A Call to Prayer
In the days following October 7, 2023, many people in Israel read and wrestled with Psalm 121. Some asked painful questions: Had the One who watches over Israel fallen asleep? Many looked to heaven in anguish and wondered where God was in the midst of tragedy.
As the recent salvos of rockets remind us of the fragility of life in this region, we are faced with the psalmist's question asked long ago: where does our confidence come from?
Psalm 121 answers: The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand (Psalm 121:5).
Please join us in prayer:
- Give thanks that the Lord watches over His people and guards our lives and our souls (Psalm 121:7–8).
- Pray that believers in this land would remain confident in God and put their trust in Him.
- Pray that leaders and governments across the region would seek wisdom.
Standing with Us in This Season
As we serve in Israel during these difficult days, we are deeply grateful for those who stand with us in prayer and support.
War has had a significant impact on the sustainability of CMJ's ministry here. Our businesses that have helped fund the work of CMJ Israel for decades—particularly through tourism and hospitality—have seen activity slow dramatically or come to a halt. Since October 7, these resources have been greatly reduced.
Yet the ministry continues. Our team faithfully serves in Jerusalem, Jaffa, and across the land, sharing the message of Jesus the Messiah and caring for the communities around us.
If you are not already a monthly supporter of CMJ Israel, we invite you to prayerfully consider supporting our ongoing mission by joining our community of monthly givers. Regular monthly partnership provides the stability that allows the ministry to continue even when local income is disrupted.
Psalm 121 concludes with this promise:
“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 forth and forevermore.” —Psalm 121:7–8
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and support during these difficult days.
CMJ Israel
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