Where to Look for Help
September 11, 2018//
Topics to Dig Into
I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT)
This verse has always inspired me. I love nature and see God revealing Himself in
all of creation. Sunrises, mountain views, any kind of water – lake, river, ocean, even rain – bring peace to my soul, renewal and strength. I lift up my eyes to the hills and feel God’s presence.
all of creation. Sunrises, mountain views, any kind of water – lake, river, ocean, even rain – bring peace to my soul, renewal and strength. I lift up my eyes to the hills and feel God’s presence.
So I was surprised to learn that I completely misunderstand the psalmist’s message.
This ‘Psalm of Ascent’ is for pilgrims journeying to the Temple in Jerusalem which sits atop the hill. A clue to what the psalmist refers to as hills (plural) is found in the story of Solomon who builds altars to foreign gods on the mountains east of Jerusalem, east of the Temple mount (1 Kings 11:7). Other kings also build altars to false gods on high places “in every corner of Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 28:24).
In this hymn, the worshipers approaching the Temple scoff at the false gods as they lift their eyes to the altars atop the surrounding hills. Then they reaffirm their commitment to the One who created all things, the only God who has the power to help.
Does your help come from the One who can truly help? (tweet this)
Where do you find your help – your strength, peace and renewal?
Do you look to the false gods of materialism, career, popularity and self?
Or do you lean in to the One who can truly help you?
#SeedsofScripture #strength #falsegods #worshiptheoneGod #psalms
Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
