The LORD Your Shade at Your Right Hand

The LORD is your shade at your right hand. (Psalm 121:5)

In the natural realm, shade is a place of refreshment and relief from the oppressive heat of the sun. To be under the shadow of something also means to be hidden and protected by it. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).

Psalm 121 is one of the “Psalms of Ascent” used by pilgrims who made their way through the open country and hills on the way to Jerusalem. So the need for shade and protection was very great. The psalm writer describes, in a very practical way, what it means to have the Lord as shade:

The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

(Psalm 121:6)

Here is the promise of safety all along the way, whether journeying by day or resting by night. For as it was said previously in this psalm, the Lord neither slumbers nor sleeps (v. 4).

Psalm 121:5 presents us with two names for God which demonstrate both His ability and desire to protect and preserver you. He is The LORD Your Keeper and The LORD Your Shade at Your Right Hand. The final verses of this psalm show that this protection is all-inclusive, from beginning to end:

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 forevermore.

(Psalm 121:7-8)

Though you may walk through difficult circumstances, look to the Lord for protection and refreshment. Call on His name as The LORD Your Shade at Your Right Hand, and He will bring you safely through.