November 23rd, 2020
By Mike Bill
I lift up my eyes unto the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 is one of the more well known psalms. It is part of a collection of psalms known as the “Psalms of Ascent.” These songs were most likely written for, or inspired by, the journey of pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Jewish festivals. Several times per year, the nation stopped what it was doing and focused their attention upon worship, celebration, and thanksgiving. These were high times, but also reflective times that perhaps re-centered the people.
The first verse of Psalm 121 is both an observation and a reminder. The Psalmist knows where his true help comes from, but like you and me, his observation is also a recalibration and a self-imposed challenge. You see, life often sends us messages…messages of where we can find hope and joy…perhaps messages that there is no hope for our future…messages that God is silent and therefore either uncaring or detached…messages that life is all about what I want and what I think I need.
And then there are moments…moments of daily time, moments of corporate worship, moments where we hear or see and inspiring story of faith, moments that call our attention back to the true and lasting source of our hope.
I pray that as we prepare for Thanksgiving, it would be a moment like the one the psalmist had. In the midst of so many concerns, regrets, and laments, let us recognize where our help is found…and refocus our faith and vision on the one who walks alongside of us and goes before us.
I lift up my eyes unto the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 is one of the more well known psalms. It is part of a collection of psalms known as the “Psalms of Ascent.” These songs were most likely written for, or inspired by, the journey of pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Jewish festivals. Several times per year, the nation stopped what it was doing and focused their attention upon worship, celebration, and thanksgiving. These were high times, but also reflective times that perhaps re-centered the people.
The first verse of Psalm 121 is both an observation and a reminder. The Psalmist knows where his true help comes from, but like you and me, his observation is also a recalibration and a self-imposed challenge. You see, life often sends us messages…messages of where we can find hope and joy…perhaps messages that there is no hope for our future…messages that God is silent and therefore either uncaring or detached…messages that life is all about what I want and what I think I need.
And then there are moments…moments of daily time, moments of corporate worship, moments where we hear or see and inspiring story of faith, moments that call our attention back to the true and lasting source of our hope.
I pray that as we prepare for Thanksgiving, it would be a moment like the one the psalmist had. In the midst of so many concerns, regrets, and laments, let us recognize where our help is found…and refocus our faith and vision on the one who walks alongside of us and goes before us.
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