What does it mean that my help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:2)?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

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). We know from Scripture that the Lord walks with us and knows our struggles; the Lord strengthens us by His strength.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The question "from where does my help come?" is immediately answered: "My help comes from the Lord." Psalm 121 continues on to profess trust in God as an ever-present and complete source of protection.
• God sustains us (Psalm 55:22).
• God protects us (Psalm 91).
• God consoles us (Psalm 94:19).
• God delivers us (Psalm 34:4).
• Perhaps the most incredible thing to ponder is that God is not only above us, but 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).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• God establishes us (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
• God will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5–6).
• God works things out for good (Romans 8:28–30).
• God helps us to resist temptation to do evil (1 Corinthians 10:13).
• God gives us peace (John 14:27).
• God cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
• God redeems us (Ephesians 1:7).
• God gives us an inheritance (Ephesians 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3–5).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Psalm 121 gives a visual of the psalmist looking 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). We see similar promises to all believers in Jesus Christ in passages like Hebrews 13:5–6; 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). 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).

UNDERSTAND

• Our help in any situation comes from the Lord because of who He is.
• God is sovereign and good, and He is our help even in times of trouble.
• God is actively involved in our lives, giving comfort, deliverance, and peace.

REFLECT

• What does it mean for you personally that your help comes from the Lord? How does that impact your view of challenges and struggles in life?
• In what areas of your life do you most need to rely on God for help? Why do you think it's hard to trust Him fully in these areas?
• How have you experienced God's help in your life, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty?

ENGAGE

• What do we learn about God’s character in that He helps us?
• What are some specific ways God promises to help us according to both the Old and New Testaments? How can these promises encourage and guide us today?
• What steps can we take to actively seek and acknowledge God’s help in our daily lives?