Where Do You Look for Help?
March 07, 2023
Where Do You Look for Help?
By Brooke Holt
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2
What are your greatest fears and challenges right now? How are you dealing with these things? As the psalmist penned the words (or better yet sang them), he was on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This psalm is part of a collection known as the Psalms of Ascent. They were songs and prayers that the Israelites sang as they made their journey to Jerusalem. These journeys were marked with challenges and uncertainties as the pilgrims never knew what awaited them on the hills – bandits, wild animals, injury, illness.
With all that uncertainty, the psalmist begins with a question: “From where does my help come from?” (verse 1). Maybe that is the same question you are asking right now. Who will help me with my financial challenges, my child, my marriage, these health issues? Who cares enough to hear my cries, to understand my fears, and to guide me on the way forward? Notice where the psalmist finds the answer to these questions: “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (verse 2).
The Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, was also the sustainer, the provider, and the only one who could hear every cry, and understand every challenge. Unlike his people, the Lord knew what the people would face on their journeys. He knew what they would need and how to provide for those needs. Thus, the psalmist looks to the only one who can truly understand and intervene as needed, and he models the way of faith for his generation and for us today.
As Christians, we are all on a journey to our true home. There are many hills in our lives, plenty of unknowns. How do you face your fears, uncertainties, and challenges? God’s word declares that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see Hebrews 13:8). Thus, the way of the psalmist is also the way for you. The Creator of heaven and earth knows you, hears you, loves you, and will guide you through your fears, uncertainties, and challenges.
Are you ready to look to him, to put your trust in him, and to surrender your fears to him?
There will be plenty of unknowns in this world. The Lord, as the one who made heaven and earth, has all wisdom and power to guide you through this world and into his everlasting kingdom.
Reflection:
Spend some time lifting your eyes to the Lord. Bring your fears before him. Tell him about the uncertainties that scare and overwhelm you, ask him to empower you to overcome every challenge, and to guide you in his perfect will and way. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.
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