...where my help comes from...

“1 I lift up my eyes to the hills —

          where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,

          the Maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121:1-2.

The psalmist seems to be in a situation known only to him, for he is looking with great anxiety or longing to the hills. Now He may have looked with anxiety if he expected robbers to be hiding in the hills, something that was never uncommon. The hills provided cover for thieves and crooks who caused great harm to travelers. But the Psalmist may also have looked with great anticipation to the hills if he were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hidden among the hills was the holy city, Jerusalem. Both thoughts may well have occupied the ancient traveler — anxiety and anticipation.

And whether the psalmist is traveling with anxiety or anticipation, the question enters the psalmist’s mind: “Where does my help come from?” (v.1). From where does my protection, my guidance, and blessing come (vv.3-8)? All travelers desires to prosper in their pilgrimage, as well as in life, so that they may enjoy a sense of harmony in all the goals of their journey.

But here the question floods his heart and soul, and so the psalmist comforts himself with the thought that Yahweh, the God who has established a covenant with His people, has committed Himself to provide “help” to His own (v.2). In addition, Yahweh is “the Maker of heaven and earth (v.2).” This is not a scientific observation, but a confession of who in fact the Psalmist is and who God the Creator of heaven and earth is!

Clearly, Yahweh alone is God (see Ps. 115:4-7; Ps. 124:8; Ps. 134:3; Ps.146:6; Jeremiah 10:11)! Therefore, sole source of my “help” comes from Yahweh, who as Creator has unlimited power.

So take some time to be in prayer today, and pray and meditate on these two verses in your own words: Oh Lord, I lift my eyes to the heavens, and where else but from You shall my help come? Help me Lord, for You are the creator of heaven and earth!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of them Living God, have mercy in me a sinner.