2008-09-29 12:21:00
"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" (Psalm 121:1,2).
I really like mountains. We see a small mountain ridge across the Susquehanna River from our front lawn. But as we move farther west or north we hit the real mountains in the Appalachian ridge. Tomorrow I'll share a photo I took several years ago off the Appalachian Trail.
I've travelled to the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the Rockies in Colorado, Mount Rainier in Washington and the Andes in both Central and South America.
But the most astounding mountain I've ever visited is Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Although it is not nearly as high in elevation as many other mountains, its steep incline is very prominent since the difference in elevation at its base and peak is well over a mile. Anyone who has ever driven the auto road to the top is likely to remember it. It's quite harrowing! And for those who've climbed it, well, my hat is off to you.
Any given day as we prepare these messages there are issues that concern or distress us. Some are at the personal level while others are international and affect all of us. For instance today we wonder what in the world is going on in regard to the economy. How we will be affected? Generally, in our decision as to what to share in this encouragement series, we do not let these issues guide us since most every day there is some current tragedy or crisis headlining the news. Additionally, we have many faithful readers from other countries.
The power of Scripture is that the message is timeless and speaks to people all over the globe. Today's text is an example. The human author of Psalm 121 is unidentified. Some Bible versions include this interesting designation in the heading of Psalm 121: "A Song of Ascents" or "Pilgrim Psalms" as do all the Psalms from 120-134. Most believe that these Psalms were sung by those who journeyed to the temple in Jerusalem for the annual feasts.
The Psalmist begins by giving us a word picture in verse one, "I lift up my eyes to the hills." You may be surrounded by flat lands, but I hope you're able to occasionally enjoy the splendid view of distant hills.
The Psalmist then asks a question that I believe he is prepared to immediately answer. "Where does my help come from?" .This is one of life's most important questions.
As the Psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills he may have been thinking about enemy invaders or those who were bringing slander against him (Psalm 120). Allegorically speaking we might also consider the steep hills we face and see the many potential and real forms of invasion. We might also cry out: "Where does my help come from?" The answers vary greatly. For some it's the bottle, for others it's a pill. Some believe it'll be that big hit at the casino, still for others it's the miracle diet. And the list goes on and on.
The only right answer has not changed. Dear believer, whatever your trying circumstance, join with the Psalmist who is inspired by the majesty and splendor of God's creation. He looks beyond the visible creation to the invisible Creator who gives the needed help when facing distressing times. Let us declare together, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!" He alone is the "The Eternal Source Of Help."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen and Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, our assurance and hope is in Your protection day and night. You made the mountains and the hills, the valleys and the streams. You do not leave us to fend for ourselves, but Your help is constant and ever-sufficient for all our needs. Our help comes from You, the Maker of heaven and earth, who watches over us both now and forevermore. Amen.
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