What does Psalm 121:7 mean?

This verse acknowledges the Lord's marvelous care of His people. This continues the encouraging response (Psalm 121:3–6) to the psalm's initial questions (Psalm 121:1–2). In this context, the term "evil" is a reference to things like accidents, illness, physical harm, misfortune, or violence. A "keeper" is someone who guards, watches, protects, or guides someone. God's provision (Psalm 97:10) includes these ideas of a watchful guardian.

Scripture does not shy away from the fact that every person encounters trials (John 16:33; Psalm 22:12–18). But trials cannot destroy the believer. Even death comes as a blessing for those who are saved because it escorts us into the Lord's presence (1 Corinthians 15:50–58). The apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers that to be away from the body is to be at home with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Also, he did not fear the possibility of execution. He informed the Philippian believers that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). It is the Lord who preserves our earthly lives and Him who one day calls us home.

When Satan asked for permission to afflict Job, the Lord granted it, knowing those difficulties would prove the genuineness of Job's faith. However, He told Satan: "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand" (Job 1:12). None of us knows what tomorrow may bring (Proverbs 27:1; James 4:13–15), but we do know God holds tomorrow. We also know He will take care of us until He calls us home to heaven.