Have you ever been so focused on one thing that you completely missed something obvious right in front of you? Maybe you've walked into a pole while texting, or arrived at your destination with no memory of the drive there. We've all experienced what psychologists call "inattentional blindness" - when we're so zeroed in on a task that we miss everything else around us.
But what if I told you that this same phenomenon could be keeping us from seeing God's constant protection and care in our lives?
The Moonwalking Bear of God's Protection
I recently showed my congregation a video where people were asked to count the number of passes made by a team in white jerseys. Most people got the count right, but almost everyone missed something crucial: a person in a bear costume moonwalking across the screen!
This experiment perfectly illustrates how easy it is for us to miss important things when we're focused on the wrong details. In life, we often fixate on our problems - our "mountains" - and completely overlook the incredible ways God is working on our behalf.
Psalm 121: A Song for the Journey
To explore this idea further, let's dive into Psalm 121. This beautiful psalm was originally part of a collection called the "Songs of Ascent," sung by Jewish pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for festivals. But its message applies just as powerfully to the journeys we're on today - whether that's counting down to a graduation, preparing for a big move, or simply navigating the ups and downs of daily life.
Let's break it down:
Looking Up, Not Around
"I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1-2)
When we face challenges, our natural instinct is to look around us for solutions. We might turn to self-help books, social media, or our friends for answers. But the psalmist reminds us to look up instead. Our true help comes from the Creator of the universe, not from created things.
The God Who Never Sleeps
"Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps." (Psalm 121:4)
Unlike the pagan gods of ancient times, our God doesn't need to take breaks or power naps. He's constantly alert, constantly watching over us. This means we can rest easy, knowing that even when we're at our most vulnerable, God is wide awake and on guard.
Shade in the Heat of Life
"The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade." (Psalm 121:5)
Have you ever been at a scorching hot outdoor event, desperately seeking even the tiniest sliver of shade? That's the kind of relief and protection God offers us in life's most challenging moments. He doesn't always remove the heat, but He provides refuge and relief right in the midst of it.
Constant Protection, Day and Night
"The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." (Psalm 121:6)
In ancient times, people feared both sunstroke during the day and the supposed dangers of "moonlight madness" at night. This verse assures us that God's protection covers every aspect of our lives, 24/7. There's no time when we're outside of His care.
Putting It Into Practice: Seeing the Moonwalking Bear
So how do we avoid missing out on God's protection and care in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
1. Look Up Daily: Start each morning by intentionally "looking up" to God in prayer, even if just for a few minutes.
2. Reframe Your Mountains: When facing challenges, ask yourself, "Where might God be working in this situation that I'm not seeing?"
3. Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal of the ways you see God's protection, no matter how small. This trains your eyes to spot His work.
4. Meditate on Psalm 121: Consider writing out this psalm, or listening to it on a Bible app during your commute.
5. Create Visual Reminders: Download a Psalm-themed phone background or put sticky notes with key verses in places you'll see them often.
Remember, just like the moonwalking bear, God's presence and protection are always there - we just need to learn to see them. As we journey through life, let's keep our eyes fixed not on the daunting mountains before us, but on the God who made those mountains and promises to guide us every step of the way.