1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
(Translated version, original article written in Chinese by Pastor Mickey Hsiao)
[Theme] Help and Protection
The temple in Jerusalem was built on high ground, approximately 2500 feet above sea level. According to Psalm 125, the city was surrounded by mountains. Those who walk towards the temple ascend higher and higher, and lift their eyes up – to look towards the mountains. They know who they are going to see. They will see the Lord who created the heavens and the earth, the helper of His people. On the road, the eternal God, Jehovah, the creator of the ends of the earth, is not tired, nor does He sleep. He will protect His people from stumbling and falling. This almighty protector is with you. He used to be in the wilderness, from day until night. He used the pillars of cloud and fire to lead the Israelites forward. Now, He can protect His people during the day and during the night. He can protect them from suffering any disaster and lead them forward. According to the Psalmist’s description, the Lord God can protect His people from all disasters. It is the protection of our lives, the protection of the times, and the protection from now to eternity.
[Meditation]
When we are willing to raise our eyes to look up – ascend to move forward and follow the Lord throughout our lives – it does not mean that it will be smooth sailing from now on. In fact, the hardships, trials, challenges, difficulties, etc. to be faced in life may be part of the journey moving forward. “Where does my help come from?“ On this path of eternal life, who is my protector? The most complete protection comes from the God who created the heavens and the earth, and who is omniscient and omnipotent. The object of His answer is every person who comes to God sincerely to worship him. May every child of God remind themselves from time to time, “My help comes from the Lord who made the heavens and the earth,“ and are willing to follow, be fully in awe, and rely on their Lord with all of their hearts.
[Prayer]
Lord, you will show me the way of life. There is a satisfying joy before you and eternal happiness in your right hand. Even if the road ahead requires overcoming obstacles, I am willing to hold on to this heart and firmly rely on the Lord because I really know that my help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!
[Memory Verse]
Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift my eyes to the mountains; where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth.