What does it mean that my help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:2)?
Psalm 121 is known as one of the "Songs of Ascent," which are a collection of Psalms traditionally believed to have been sung by Jews on their journeys to the temple in Jerusalem for one of the three main annual Jewish feasts. The opening of Psalm 121 says, "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). The question "from where does my help come?" is immediately answered: "My help comes from the Lord." The psalm goes on to profess trust in God as an ever-present and complete source of protection.
In this visual portrayal, the psalmist looks up to the mountains, seeking the source of his help. He finds that it is God. When we are in a deep valley or when we are faced with the prospect of climbing up a mountain, we too, can look up to God. He is not only above our problems; He is Lord over all (Psalm 103:19). Perhaps the most incredible thing to ponder is that not only is God above us, He also walks beside us in our struggles (Psalm 23:4). God promises that He will help us. He told the Israelites, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). We see similar promises to all believers in Jesus Christ in passages like Hebrews 13:5, John 14:16, 27, John 16:33, and Matthew 28:20.
God has already given us more help and kindness than we could ever possibly deserve. He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to be our path to salvation (John 3:16–18), and He has given us the Holy Spirit as our comforter and guide as we walk through life (John 14:17, 26; 15:26; Ephesians 1:13–14).
How else does God help us? Here are a few ways:
He sustains us (Psalm 55:22)
He protects us (Psalm 91)
He establishes us (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5–6; Deuteronomy 31:6)
He consoles us (Psalm 94:19)
He works things out for good (Romans 8:28–30)
He helps us to resist temptation to do evil (1 Corinthians 10:13)
He gives us peace (John 14:27)
He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)
He redeems us (Ephesians 1:7)
He delivers us (Psalm 34:4)
He gives us an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3–5)
No matter what troubles we face, God is able to help us walk through them. He is not just a helper; He is the helper, the one who sustains us in every season. As David said, "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life" (Psalm 54:4).
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