Our help comes from the Lord

Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Imagine, if you can, walking along a field of mountain flowers in full bloom.  You are walking toward a crystal clear lake, so clear that you can see the reflection of a huge mountain in the distance.  Half of the mountain is green with forest trees while most of the top half is covered with snow.  The sky is deep blue.  It is this image that I think about when I read these two verses from Psalm 121.  God created the beauty of this mountain scene and all the order and beauty of the universe.  It is this God to whom I believe will help me whenever I lift up my eyes to Him and call for His help.

I was reminded of these verses when I attended a presentation by a couple---Gary and Terri Vincelette---who responded to God’s call in their late 50s-early 60s to move to Budapest, Hungary from Evansville, IN, learn the Hungarian language and help to establish or expand Christian churches in South Central Europe.  One of their first slides had these verses, representing the foundation of their faith that God will always be in control of their lives and situations regardless of where they are in the world and what challenges they face.

I must add that Gary led me to the Lord some 42 years ago so he was then and still is one of the greatest influencers of my life. 

Think about the word “help” since it is the main noun in these two verses.  There are several Hebrew words that are translated as “help”, but I’ll just focus on the Hebrew word “ezer” used in these verses.  “Ezer” means both to rescue and to be strong.  It is first used in Gen 2:18 when God said that it is not good for man to be alone so He created a “help meet” for man.  Woman was created to rescue and be strong for man in areas of life where man is weak or incapable.  The woman completes man with saving strength that he otherwise does not have. 

Besides Gen 2:18 and Psalm 21:1-2, help (“ezer”) is found in 18 other Old Testament verses, where man is either saved from harm by God (e.g. Exo 18:4, Hosea 13:9) or God gives strength to man (e.g. Deut 33:26, Psalm 146:5).

The Maker of heaven and earth is always willing to help His created people.  Psalm 46:1---“ God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”  However, most created people don’t want His help.  Why?  Because of the number one sin that has existed throughout the history of man---human pride.  Human pride falsely convinces that majority of mankind that he/she can handles problems without anyone’s help, most of all a God whom they cannot see and, therefore, cannot trust (Psalm 10:4).  This is Satan’s great lie.  You should never be so arrogant that you believe that you do not need God’s help.      

Yet, believers in God, everyday, look above, like looking up at the mountains, and seek God’s help.  Help in many ways---overcoming fear and worry, making the best decisions, understanding His Word, being strong and courageous, maintaining a positive demeanor, the examples are endless.  The phrase, “God helps those who help themselves” is not biblical.  Indeed, the opposite is true.  God will NOT help those who help themselves.  The Bible says that He is opposed to the proud, but helps those who humbly seek Him (Psalm 28:7, James 4:6, Hebrews 4:16, I Peter 5:5).

Your Christian life is a journey full of challenges along with the benefits.  Some of those challenges can take you to the edge, but with the Lord’s help, you will keep going until you win the race.  He gives you that resolve, whatever you need to keep you going.  What are challenges you are facing right now?  Are you looking up and seeking His help?  His help always comes to those who humbly ask and move forward trusting in Him.