Sometimes problems seem insurmountable, like a steep rock rising right in front of us. Where do we find help then? Psalm 121 helps us find the answer: “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
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Day 1
Scriptures: Psalms 121:1, Psalms 102:1-11
Mountains and valleys
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1, NIV)
Maybe you live in a mountainous area, or you have visited such an area. High mountains have impressive beauty. When you reach the top, you can enjoy a great view. But if you are at the foot of a mountain and you still have to climb it, you can easily get discouraged! Then such a massive hill seems insurmountable and threatening.
Psalm 121 uses this image, taken from a pilgrim’s journey to Jerusalem, for our life’s journey. Sometimes we are in a deep valley, surrounded by mountains. We feel as though there is no way to go. We will have to overcome the obstructions in our path, but they seem too big and too high. We can feel helpless and exhausted.
Some people think that such a situation cannot occur in a Christian’s life because God blesses His children in everything. Then when they find themselves in such a valley, they are overcome with doubt and confusion. Therefore, it is important to know that Christians also encounter “mountains” and “valleys.” As long as we are on this earth, we live in a broken world. Therefore, we need to learn how to deal with “mountains” in our lives. And that is what Psalm 121 teaches us. Will you continue to read this devotional in the next few days?
Day 2
Scriptures: Psalms 121:1, John 16:6-13, Job 2:7-13
Mountains block your view
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1, NIV)
Standing at the foot of a mountain, you cannot see what lies beyond it. You may know it because you have looked at a map or have been on the other side of the mountain before. But your view is now blocked by the massive elevated area of the Earth’s surface rising in front of you.
It can be the same way spiritually. As a Christian, you know that God is love, that He is all-powerful, and that He cares for His children. That is important basic knowledge. But sometimes, when you are in the midst of a spiritual battle or when you are overwhelmed by problems you cannot oversee, you lose sight of those familiar truths. Then you “lift up your eyes” and see only those mountains.
In such a situation it is good to just speak out what you are experiencing. “I am surrounded by mountains and there’s no way out!”. Of course, we should not stay at this point. Eventually, we must find an answer to our problems, and the “mountain” must be conquered. But this process takes time. Even if theoretically you already know some answers, you cannot yet “see” it immediately.
Suppose a friend tells you that he sees mountains everywhere and seeks help. How can you respond in a helpful way?
Day 3
Scriptures: Psalms 121:1, Galatians 2:20, Hebrews 13:5-8
Help at the individual level
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?” (Psalm 121:1, NIV)
The writer of Psalm 121 sees looming mountains before him and realizes that he needs help from beyond himself. It is striking that he asks, “Where will my help come from?” He is not looking for general answers. He is looking for a way out for himself, for his own specific situation. His exclamation has a very personal tone.
When we are in need, we are also not helped by general truths. In any case, these are not sufficient. We need God to intervene in our personal lives. Instead of a general theory, we need a personal Savior.
This is beautifully expressed in Galatians 2:20, where Paul confesses his faith in “the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Can you say the same? Do you already know the Lord God personally and have you been saved from your sins by Him? If so, you can turn to Him for help in all situations: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” (Hebrews 13:6)
And if you don’t yet know the Lord as your Savior, don’t be satisfied with what other people say. Seek Him personally!
Day 4
Scriptures: Psalms 121:2, Psalms 118:1-9, Psalms 50:14-15
Ask the Lord God for help
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)
It is nice to have helpful people around you, for example, parents who care for you, friends who want to help you, or a neighbor who is there for you. That help is valuable. But reality is not always all positive. Sometimes people let you down. Or they can’t help you with your problem, no matter how much they would like to. Psalm 118:8, therefore, concludes, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” For the Lord never abandons His children. Nor does He ever stand by helplessly immune to our suffering.
Even though God does not always act as we would expect or desire, we can trust Him to use His wisdom and power for good. He promises in Psalm 50:15, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” This is not an empty promise; the Bible gives numerous examples from history where God has actually helped people in need.
Help from people and help from the Lord God need not be mutually exclusive. It is good to gratefully accept the support others offer us. But in the end, we must trust God. He never disappoints!
Day 5
Scriptures: Psalms 121:2, Psalms 95:1-7, Romans 8:35-39
Know the Lord
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)
It is important to know the Bible well. Better even is to know the Lord God well. Because in different situations we are encouraged by different facets of His character and actions. Sometimes we need a shepherd to guide us. Sometimes we long for a light on our path that shows us the way. And sometimes we need a mighty God who can conquer mountains for us.
The writer of Psalm 121 refers back to creation. That is relevant in his situation. Knowing that the Lord made heaven and earth can provide comfort in his circumstances. For if God created the whole earth and holds it in His hand, He can also subdue the mountains. He is far more powerful than all the powers and natural phenomena on Earth. For Him, no problem is too great. When He is with us, nothing can separate us from His love. That is why the poet says it aloud, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
What character traits or characteristics of the Lord God most appeal to you? Complete this phrase for yourself with truths from the Bible, “My help comes from the Lord, Who…”
Day 6
Scriptures: Psalms 121:3-4, Psalms 42
Preach the truth to yourself
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3)
As we read Psalm 121 gradually, you may not even have noticed, but in verse 3, something striking happens. The writer is no longer speaking in the first person (“I”) but is talking of someone else. At least that’s how it seems. But probably something else is going on here: the poet is holding up to himself the truth that he needs to keep trusting the Lord God!
Although at first glance it may seem a bit strange to talk to yourself, this can be very helpful. We need God’s truth as a counterpoint to everything we see around us, what others say to us or what may be going around in our own heads. We can read that truth in the Bible, it can be presented to us in a church service, or we can speak it out loud or sing it. So instead of constantly listening to ourselves and fretting, it is better to speak to ourselves with words from God. This is an important weapon against despondency and anxiety.
Many people like to decorate their homes with inspirational texts. If you had to choose such a text, which one would you take? Perhaps today’s Bible verse would be appropriate?
Day 7
Scriptures: Psalms 121:4-5, Matthew 26:36-46, 1 Corinthians 16:13
God keeps watch
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your shade on your right hand.” (Psalm 121:4-5)
The Lord is described as “He who keeps you” (in Psalm 121:3) and as “He who keeps Israel.” He is like a personal protector for believers on their life journey, and also for the entire nation of Israel whom He had promised protection.
When the moment of Jesus’ suffering and death approached, He warned His followers. After all, this would be a profound trial for them too. Jesus said to them, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Matthew 26:41) Years later, the apostle Paul urged his readers, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith.” (1 Corinthians 16:13)
A soldier who falls asleep is vulnerable. He can easily be attacked by the enemy. Similarly, if we are not vigilant, we too can be surprised by an attack from the devil. But even if our attention slackens and we “fall asleep,” our Lord does not. He protects us. He is always awake and alert.
What dangers can threaten you if you are not alert? How does it help you in this that the Lord God never sleeps or slumbers?
Day 8
Scriptures: Psalms 121:5-6, Psalms 16:8, Isaiah 4:2-6, Isaiah 25:1-4
Unceasing protection
“The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” (Psalm 121:5-6)
If you are traveling in Israel, the burning sun is a serious danger. Especially if you don’t have enough water with you. In such circumstances, a little shade is not only very pleasant but vital. In biblical times, it was widely thought that the moon could cause certain diseases – think of the word ‘lunatic’, which is derived from the word ‘luna’ = ‘moon’.
Psalm 121 gives a kind of summary: at all possible times, the Lord is with you in the dangers you face. He can be because (as we saw yesterday) He never sleeps. He can restrain the forces of nature and spiritual dangers because He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He travels with you “[at] your right hand,” in the place where a lawyer or protector normally stands. This is expressed even more clearly in Psalm 16:8, “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
When the Lord is with you, you need to have no fear. That is true on literal journeys, for which you may pray to Him for protection. But it also applies to your “journey of life” as a whole.
Do you realize that you need God’s protection in everything? How do you express this?
Day 9
Scripture: Psalms 121
Full protection
“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.” (Psalm 121:7-8)
The final verses of Psalm 121 emphasize once again that God’s protection is all-encompassing. He keeps “from all evil.” He keeps your whole person, in body and soul. He keeps you from beginning to end; from the moment you leave your home to travel or work, until the moment you return home. And all that applies “forevermore.” Did you notice how often the word “keep” appears here and how broad and deep these promises are?
I find it comforting that the Lord is always there. In times of need, but also in times of prosperity. In difficult tasks and in everyday chores. When I am full of good courage and when I feel depressed. He knows what is best for me, and He will protect me. There are no circumstances imaginable beyond God’s presence.
Today, read Psalm 121 again in its entirety and let it sink in. Dwell for a moment on the “mountains” you face. Bring your needs before the Lord in prayer and encourage yourself with these ancient words that have not lost their power.
Where does my help come from?
My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!