During difficult times, a lot of people have found comfort from Psalm 121, and it begins with these phrases:
”I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2(NASB)
What does that mean? Some people believe that when we look at the mountains, we see how grand and majestic they are, and by this, David was saying when he looked at those mountains, they helped turn his thoughts towards God. After all, Romans says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NASB) That’s not a bad thought, but I don’t believe that’s what David was really saying.
Some people say that David spent a lot of time in those mountains on the run from Saul, but in all of those years in the mountains, God was faithful, providing for him and all that he needed to sustain his life to eventually become king. So when David looked at those mountains, it was a reminder to David of the past faithfulness of God. Again, that’s not a bad thought, but I still don’t believe that’s what he was saying.
You see, throughout the Old Testament it speaks of “high places.” The ancient pagan religions would build their temples in those high places, those mountains. They did that because they believed a temple on a mountain would be closest to the gods. The Canaanites built temples on high places to Asherah and the land of Canaan is where the Israelites eventually dwelt. I think David was saying this, “You know, a lot of people look to the mountains, they look to the high places, they look to Asherah, Bael, or other false gods for their strength. But me, my help comes from the Lord.” David was giving a statement of contrast. It was an affirmation that he knew deep in his heart who his God was. He would not put his faith in anyone other than God to be his source of life.
Well, my friends, we’re in the midst of a very troubling time and so I think that question is very timely for us today. To whom are you looking to get through these dark and desperate days? What sits on those high places? Your bank account, your friends, your kids, your spouse, your doctors, your church, your pastor? Those are all wonderful things, but they are not the source. Instead, let’s remember to look to God. As we continue reading this Psalm, it says “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4 (NASB) The reason we look to Him, my friends, is He’s always there, always being Who He is to His children, and we can lay hold of Him in the moment of faith.
Others may look to the mountains, but we will get our strength from God.
I trust you’ll do that today. As you walk with Him you’ll find Him to be all that He promises to be, and you will walk in resolute hope and stand as a light to this very dark world. You will be a beacon calling those who are living in the darkness to find the same Light that we have found.
