Good morning to you my precious friends.

Psalm 121:1-2 says “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

One of the many problems that plagued Israel throughout the Old Testament era was that they would turn for help to the nations around them when they got into trouble instead of turning to God. They would make a pact with Egypt because they had chariots and horses. They turned to Syria because they seemed to be mighty at the time. Each time they would do this, God would warn them, rebuke them and often allow them to be defeated as punishment. Yet, they persisted in this same sin – the lack of faith in God and relying on His strength, care and protection.

We should not be too judgmental toward them. We must look at ourselves. Do we turn to our material wealth, our human wisdom, our education, our looks or something else instead of relying on God?

As we look at Psalm 121 imagine yourself as a pilgrim. You are at the bottom of the hills looking up. You lift your eyes to the hills. Many thoughts could be going through your mind as you consider the journey in front of you. You could be looking at the hills and be afraid of what is before you. There could be a group of robbers or some mean people you will meet on this road. There is also the possibility of wild animals that could be around the next bend.

So as this pilgrim is lifting his eyes to the hills, we do not know what is going on in his heart. He asks the excellent question, “From where does my help come?” He is at a critical point in this journey and this question is a pivotal one to be asked. He could continue to gaze at the hills and all the possibilities of what could go wrong in this journey. He could become overwhelmed and even turn back and go home. But instead he tells himself the truth!

“My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” In what do I fear when the Sovereign Lord of Creation is my help? This pilgrim starts with stating who our God is and then builds on this truth in the verses that follow. He can fully put his trust in his God. His hope is not in who is on this journey with him, or his strength, or in his ability to run from danger, but completely on the Maker of heaven and earth.

5 Truths from this Psalm to give us hope for today:

  • vs 2"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." He’s All-powerful. God is a mountain mover and Creator of heaven and earth. He's with us, always. He breathes help and strength into our souls each day.
  • vs 3"He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber." He won't allow us to fall. We may find ourselves on slippery slopes, or the path we're walking seems to have many potholes and obstacles. But the God who knows all, knows our way. Even when we stumble, as our eyes are fixed on Him, He will keep our footsteps firm. He watches over us and never sleeps or slumbers.
  • vs 5"The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand." He keeps us safe, in His care. He protects us like the shade protects from the heat of the day. Why the "right hand?" Because it is known as the hand that works, so we can be assured that whatever He's given us to do in this life, His covering of protection rests over all of our work and efforts.
  • vs 7"The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul." He protects us from "all evil," not some, but "all." It does not have the final say over our lives. Fear of death, disease, and hardship has lost its sting, for our lives are hidden with Christ in God. No matter who or what we're rubbing shoulders with each day, God's power is greater than whatever darkness we might face. He is the soul-keeper and He holds all of our tomorrows.
  • vs 8"The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever." He constantly watches over us. He cannot look away from those He loves. He watches our coming and our going, and all in between. He watches over our family and children, even when we cannot see. We do not have to worry, for He strongly supports those whose hearts are His. He is our Hope.

Fellow Pilgrim, where are you putting your hope in these difficult days?

Let us pray:

Holy and All-powerful Abba Father, I look to You for help. You are the one true source of redemption, power, comfort, encouragement, hope, and excellence in my life. Please give me the wisdom to know and choose Your will for my life. Teach me to trust You in every area of my life. Direct my heart to turn to You when I face trials and when problems seem to overwhelm me. Lord give me strength to face each trial and temptation that come with each day. Help me keep my heart set on You and my priorities in the right order. Please be with those who are have lost loved ones and give them strength and peace. Bless those who are sick and those who are facing death. Shower them with Your love and assurance. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Much love from Maurice and Margaret.