Young Adults' Group

Seeking God’s Protection As We Celebrate Our Day Of Independence

by Pastor Mark
August 08, 2016

Celebrating our 51st National Day

Today, Singapore celebrates its 51st Anniversary. There is much that we can thank God for. We have over the years been led by a good government. We have a strong economy. There is religious freedom and good social cohesion in a multi-racial society.

Yet we recognise that our safety and the protection of our country have increasingly been threatened…especially in view of the news of a foiled terrorist attack that was planned by militants in Batam to fire a rocket at the Marina Bay Sands. It reveals to us the reality of such attacks may possibly come to our shores.

Assurance of Lord’s protection

As we celebrate our day of independence, it is vital that we seek the Lord and His protection. I was drawn to study Ps 121 and the assurance that it gives.

1. We should seek the Lord…who dwells on Mt Zion

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps 121:1,2)

The Psalmist set his eyes on Mt Zion, the place where God dwelt…who was the source of his help. Last Saturday, we learnt about coming to Mt Zion, the city of the living God which is a reference to heaven. (Heb 12:22) We may not have a physical Mt Zion to look to today. But we can certainly look to spiritual Mt Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem where God resides and He is whom we seek for help. The Lord who used His power to make heaven and the earth will definitely have the power to help and protect us.

2. The Lord will watch over us

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Ps 121:3,4)

The Lord will not slumber at any time. He does not need to rest. The Lord will be like a watchman diligently watching over us and protecting us from our enemies. He will ensure that we will not be moved in any way. Let us look to God for His protection over us.

3. The Lord will be our keeper

“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.” (Ps 121:5,6)

The Lord is our faithful keeper. He will ensure that we are specially protected. He is seen as our shelter…from the elements. Symbolically, He gives protection from the sun and from the moon. The Lord’s keeping and protection is “24/7”. Whether it is night or day, the Lord is constantly watching over us. What an amazing God we have as our faithful keeper.

4. The Lord will preserve us

“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.” (Ps 121:7,8)

In an environment where we are witnessing increasing evil, it is reassuring that we have God to preserve us. No matter what kind of evil there is, the Lord will protect us. Not only will He preserve us physically but He will preserve our soul…our spirits. He watches over us in our going out and in our coming in. Whether we are traveling to or from work…whether we are traveling to another country or returning home, the Lord will keep us safe always. Let us seek the Lord at Mt Zion and be assured of His protection over us.

Back to Article Listing