"The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night." Ps 121:6
The sun brings life and warmth to our planet. In a process known as photosynthesis, plants use the energy from sunlight to produce usable chemical energy (plant sugar), at the same time releasing oxygen, which we all need to sustain life.
We also need a little sunlight on our skin daily to give us a measure of vitamin D. But prolonged exposure to the ultra violet rays can damage our skin.
The moon, on the other hand, is a reflector, bouncing the sun's photons off its surface toward earth, thus illuminating our planet by night. The moon's reflective light rays cannot damage the skin. Unlike the sun, which shines every day, the moon goes through phases, sometimes disappearing from sight totally.
At creation, God created the sun and the moon, setting the sun in orbit to rule the day, and the moon to rule the night.
The Hebrew word "strike" means slaughter, slay or wound. At the end of time God brings seven plagues upon the wicked. The fourth of these is the sun scorching men with extreme heat.
In the context of this Psalm, I believe the Psalmist is telling us that troubles (as big and fiery as the sun, or smaller, like the moon) may come upon us. They may come during the day, symbolized by the sun, or they may come during the night, symbolized by the moon, but God will not allow them to crush us or take our lives, for He is our Keeper and our Shade (verse 5).
Today, remember there's One at your side who will support you and carry you through whatever difficulties may come your way.
