During my quiet time last week, I was reminded of “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd, which goes….
Nothing’s gonna harm you, not while I’m around.
Nothing’s gonna hurt you, no sir, not while I’m around.
Demons are prowling everywhere nowadays.
I’ll send ‘em howling I don’t care, I’ve got ways [...]
Demons will charm you with a smile, for a while, but in time.
Nothing’s gonna harm you, not while I’m around.
It’s super well-known, but in case you don’t know!
Context from the show!
Tobias, a troubled teenager/young man is saying all this to Ms. Lovett, a local pie maker and crime partner of the murderous Sweeney Todd. Tobias says all this in fear that Sweeney Todd is harming her, and to reassure her that he’ll do anything in his power to protect her, as she has been the only person in London to show him true kindness and maternal love.
Without spoiling too much, this song does play a huge part in foreshadowing what happens in the end…
Without context, this is a beautiful song! Also, one that you wouldn’t imagine God being tied to, but hear me out!
I’ve been reading through the Psalms throughout the year, and Psalm 121 has stuck with me all week.
Here’s verses 5-8:
“The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.”
This chunk of scripture replayed repeatedly, and then that fun Sondheim melody came into play.
The Lord is the only thing that can keep us from the heavy and evil things of this world, as much as we try to protect ourselves (or mums) in our own strength.
Our help comes solely from God, who made the Heavens and all the Earth. Our God is the only one who can provide security in a way that makes us feel protected and a peace that surpasses understanding. Does that mean that evil or harm won’t ever come our way?
Unfortunately, not. But!
We have a good Father who still keeps us, comforts us, and provides all we need when we trust in Him.
and God, that’s good!
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