Suggested Bible Reading: Psalm 121, 123-125, 128
Devotional Thought:
Title: “Our True Help.”
Psalm 121 is a favorite psalm for many Christians. This is the second of the fifteen Psalms that are known as “The Songs of Degrees.” It was indeed such a suitable song for pilgrims going up to Jerusalem, encouraging one another as they now caught sight of the mountains which were round about the beloved city (Ps 125:2). In my trips to Israel, even today, the Jews rally around Jerusalem and look forward to going up to this important city. For the Psalmist, it promised the peace, which had been denied to him in the previous Psalm. For him, as for all his fellow-pilgrims, Jerusalem, the City of Peace, was the happy end of the journey, and the hills surrounding it were now in view. Mountains almost completely surround Jerusalem. It lies in the shadow of Olivet, Moriah, Zion and Scopus. From a distance, the bands of pilgrims would begin to anticipate, knowing that, once they saw the mountains, the city itself would soon be in view. They are not only looking out, but looking up. The question, “From whence cometh my help?” is not a question of uncertainty or doubt, but rather it is a rhetorical question, introductory to the answer, which follows immediately, “My help cometh from the Lord.” It will be remembered that Daniel, the exiled prophet, in the remoteness of Babylon, opened his window three times a day to pray toward Jerusalem. (Dan 6:10) The journey to Jerusalem was an arduous one, if not hazardous, but Jehovah was their protector. One slip of the foot could have spelt great danger on the difficult roads, and perhaps they might have taken the promise literally, “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved”. He would help them on their way. Again, there were the dangers of the nightly encampments, but they could rest in peace knowing that their Keeper would neither slumber nor sleep. It is as if the Psalmist would close with yet another emphasis on the fact that Jehovah was the Protector, and Guardian of His people. He would preserve them from all evil. From the evil intentions of wicked men He would protect His pilgrim people. They were, after all, fulfilling His will and obeying His Word in making pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the keeping of the Feasts, and He would guard them in their devotion to His doing His will. “Evil” is the Hebrew word for “affliction; adversity; trouble; or mischief.” From such our Great God would preserve them. This promise of preservation was unlimited and for us today it is very applicable. The lives and well-being of His people are precious to the Lord, and He will be their Preserver whether we were going out or coming in, whether by day or night, whether today or tomorrow, now or later, “from this time forth, and even for evermore.” What a promise!
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me never forget that you are the only true help in this life.
- Lord, thank you for the constant assurance of your presence, power, and protection. I am so grateful to have an all-knowing, all-powerful, and all present God.
- Lord, please help me to encourage someone this week with this truth.