From Whence Comes My Help?

I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help?  

My help comes from the Lord, Who made Heaven and Earth 

(Psalm 121:1-2)

I love the mountains and have fond memories of the times Bob, our daughters and I camped in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Reserve with my brother’s family. 

There’s just something special about being in the mountains where God’s creativity is so abundantly present.  The thin air blowing down from snow-packed peaks is pristine; and the water that tumbles down rocky creek beds is crystal clear and icy cold.  Wild game, pine forest and mountain flowers surround you, and the sky overhead looks like a giant blue bowl turned upside down.

This may be some of the memories that came to the poet’s mind as he penned this passage.  Perhaps the mountains also represented these things to him:

*  Fellowship with God - The temple at Jerusalem sat on one of the seven hills on which the city is built.  Hills, then, may have stimulated memories of fellowship with God during trips to the temple to worship. 

* Satisfied Hunger – Game to eat and grass for the livestock were abundant on hillsides.

*Quenched thirst/refreshment – There would be fresh water for drinking and bathing.

* Shelter/Protection – Rocks and cliffs provide relief from the elements and places to hide from enemies.

* Stability – Firm ground to replace continually shifting sand of the desert.

Satisfaction of hunger and thirst; shelter; protection; rest; peace of mind; stability, and fellowship with God – all blessings for body and soul.

Only Christianity offers such guarantees of continuous provision and protection by its god.  Most religions teach that prayers are answered only after the deity has been appeased with gifts; personal sacrifice, even torture; and loud, repetitious prayers.  Not so for Christians who are instructed:

When you pray do not use vain (empty) repetitions as the heathen do. 

 For they think that they will be heard for their many words

(Matthew 6:7)

Come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy 

and find grace to help in time of need 

(Hebrews 4:16)

The poet goes on to list other attributes that set the Great Provider apart from other deities.  Not only did our God create all that exists, He oversees the care of His people:

* He will not allow your foot to be moved (vs.3);

* He shall neither slumber nor sleep (vs. 4);

* The Lord is your keeper; your shade at your right hand (vs. 5);

* The Lord shall preserve you from all evil (vs. 7);

* He shall preserve your soul (vs 7);

*The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in…forevermore (vs. 8).

Psalm 121 is a song of praise and reassurance for all who read it and take to heart its message.  Its promises are as true today as on the day they were written.

Your Holy Word, oh Mighty Lord, is just as true today
as on the day You told Your scribes exactly what to say. 
May I read it, every word, as if were said to me;
give me ears that I may hear, and eyes that I may see;
dress my wounds and heal my scars; fill me with joy anew,
as reading in Your Holy Word, I catch new sight of You.