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:
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).
How can I have joy when I'm going through trials?
Wait on the Lord — What does this mean?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit? How is the Holy Spirit active in our lives today?
The attributes of God, what are they?
How can I trust that God really is in control? Is God in control?
Truth about God
