From Where Does My Help Come?
Each day you and I are met with trials of various kinds. In some cases suffering is predominant, like when we’re faced with a chronic health condition. In other cases sin looms large, like when we’re tempted to raise our voice at our spouse or child. Regardless, in the midst of trials and temptations we need help from outside of ourselves. Thankfully, the Lord offers us true help, a truth we learn in Psalm 121. But before we turn our attention to this psalm we need to understand its broader context.
The Lord had commanded Israel to keep three festivals a year in the city of Jerusalem (see Deut. 16:16). It is likely that the fifteen Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134) were sung by the Israelites on their way to Jerusalem to keep the annual feasts, both before and after the exile. Therefore, it’s appropriate that the collection begins with the pilgrims far away from the temple in Jerusalem. They face temptations both from without (the devil and the world) and from within (their own flesh). These psalms present a picture of every believer’s journey to the new Jerusalem. They teach us about our journey as elect exiles on this earth and more importantly, about the Elect Exile who left His home in glory to fulfill His Father’s plan. They are arranged in a significant order—seven psalms on either side of the climactic one, Psalm 127, which highlights two of God’s promises to David (a place and progeny). Since the Songs of Ascents aid us in our worship of God we should study them often. In this brief article we will consider what the second one (Psalm 121) has to teach us.
Help!
The psalm begins with the pilgrim asking a question as he travels toward Jerusalem, the city surrounded by hills and in which the temple stood, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” (Psalm 121:1). Of course, he knows the answer well. With confidence he declares, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (v. 2). He firmly believed the Creator of the hills that surrounded the city of feasts would be his help.
With the psalmist you and I can declare our help comes from the Lord. No longer do we travel to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts. Jesus, the true temple, the One who has fulfilled the purpose of the feasts, has come to us. He is our help. In the midst of suffering He is with us. When we’re tempted to sin He is ready to give more grace. No matter the time of day or the location, He is always near to help us.
Helper
The psalm could end with verse 2 above and be a wonderful comfort to us. But it goes on to reveal how the Lord helps us. He is our Keeper. As such, the Lord stabilizes our steps and never sleeps (Psalm 121:3-4). He protects us from dangers during the day and night (vv. 5-6). He keeps us “from all evil” and keeps our “life” (v. 7). He keeps our “going out” and our “coming in” (v. 8).
Imagine being a weary pilgrim, lifting your eyes to the hills, gaining strength for the remainder of the journey as you consider the Lord, your keeper. Whether it was the pre-exilic pilgrim making his way to the temple Solomon had built, or the post-exilic Jew making his way to the restored temple, both were difficult journeys. They needed to be reminded that help was not only available to them, but that the Lord Himself was their help.
Psalm 121, which reflects Aaron’s blessing, “The LORD bless you and keep you” (Num. 6:24), also anticipates the One who not only keeps our life but gave up His life to do so. Jesus, who is now seated at the Father’s right hand, ever lives to intercede for us. Amazingly, He has also sent another Helper to us. The Spirit of truth will guide us into truth as we seek to serve our triune God as worshipers, workers and witnesses in this world. The triune God keeps us safely in His grip from beginning to end. Salvation is not a possibility, but a certainty.
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In what way do you need the Lord’s help today? Do you feel like you’re slipping into unbelief? Are you tempted to give in to sexual sin? Do you find yourself wallowing in self-pity? Are you the victim of another’s violence? Cry out to the Lord. The Creator of heaven and earth will help you. He guards your feet. He works day and night. He keeps your going out and your coming in. Lift up your eyes to the Lord.
