“The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore” (Psalm 121:8).

This promise can be a great comfort and blessing to the one who must travel frequently. If his travels are “in the Lord,” and his journeying mission and behavior honor the Lord, then he may surely pray in faith for God’s “journeying mercies,” confident that God will, indeed, “preserve (his) going out and (his) coming (home).”

In recent years, the fear of international terrorism has become a real concern. The “terrorists” have, indeed, generated “terror” among travelers everywhere.

The Christian believer, however, still has God’s wonderful and comforting promises to recite, as he prays to the Lord for protection in his travels: “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. . . . Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; . . . For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways” (Psalm 91:2,5,11).

Peter also says: “Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled” (I Peter 3:14). Long ago, God promised His people: “Fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6). The psalmist also expressed his confidence: “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6). Jesus said: “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28).

Even for the obedient Christian, of course, there must come a time (the Lord’s time, not man’s) when he must “go out” from this present world, and “come in” to God’s eternal home, prepared for him by the Lord Himself. Our text will then be realized in its greatest fullness. “The LORD shall preserve . . . thy coming in . . . even for evermore.” HMM