Psalm 121 was sung by the worshipers as they made their way to Jerusalem to participate in the three great annual feasts: Pbadover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. With that in mind, this pilgrim’s song tells of the dangers of the journey and of the help God provides along the way.

Our pilgrimage began the very moment that we received Jesus as Lord and Savior and it will continue until we step out of this life and into eternity. Along the way, however, there are dangers lurking all around. There are thieves that would rob us of peace, joy and victory. There are sins that would quench the fire of God in our souls. There are problems that would strip us of the glory and power of God. I don’t know about you, but I have been through these difficult times myself — times when dangers surrounded my life and I wondered where my help would come from.

Verse 1 is not a declaration of hope, but rather, it is a cry of despair: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from?” When danger is lurking, where can the pilgrim turn to for help? The psalmist answers his own question “My help comes from the Lord” (vs. 2). Who is greater than any problem imaginable? In this psalm, we will find help for the journey.

• The source of our help is our Creator: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (vs. 2). The Psalmist turned his attention to the Lord! He knew that the real source of his help was Almighty God. He isn’t referring to a friend or an ally, but to the Creator of the universe. The idea is this, “If God can make this world, then surely, He has the power to take care of me!” What a truth! Our helper is none other than the very One who stood on the edge of nothing and made everything with the Word of His power. He is able to help you and me.

• The strength of our help: “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you” (vs. 4-5). God protects us from our enemies – The Psalmist is telling us that God takes up a deliberate, defensive position to protect us where we are most vulnerable. Often we find ourselves attacked in areas where we are the weakest. Our enemy knows all about our weaknesses. Other times, we may find that we are attacked in areas where we are the strongest. Elijah is renowned for his courage, yet he fled from the woman Jezebel. Abraham’s greatest strength was his faith in the Lord, yet he went into Egypt in pure unbelief. The whole point is this, we will be attacked, and we never know where the attack will come from, but it never catches God off guard! He is always ready to shield us and to protect us from our enemies! God is aware of where you are and of what is happening and He will always be there to protect you, to guard you and to give you the resources you need to stand in the day of battle. Our greatest gift in troublesome times is having Him to turn to.

• The security of our help: “The Lord will keep you from all harm — he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (vs. 7-8). We are preserved from evil and for eternity. In these verses, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord will keep us while we are here. And, that He will continue this ministry throughout eternity! Ours is a priceless, endless guarantee.

I am so grateful that I have these promises for my journey. What about you? I am glad that I do not have to look to this ever-changing world for my help and for my stability. There is a great God who is interested in everything that happens in my life. My problems are His problems, my concerns are His concerns. I must trust Him to take care of me. He is always watching over my coming and going both now and forevermore! Do you need help from the Lord? If so, then turn to Him and let Him meet the need you have.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is Lead Pastor at Redeemer Church, Marion. Follow him on Twitter: @CoachPatStreet

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