"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." Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

My son slumped into the car with a loud sigh, harshly plopping his backpack onto the back seat. “Mom, I wrote ‘help me’ on my paper at school today.”

My concerned eyes met his in the rearview mirror. “Who were you asking to help you?”

“I was asking God.”

My heart ached because I understood the desperation wrapped inside those two little words: Help me. I, too, had recently prayed several “help me” prayers. Maybe you’ve done the same.

In life, we all experience overwhelming circumstances. If we let them, these moments remind us how dependent we are on God. Like today’s key verse says, there’s hope in recalling where our help comes from:

“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” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Psalm 121 is a “psalm of ascent,” a type of prayerful song that ancient Israelites would sing as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship God at His temple. They faced uncertain terrain and dangers on the way. Yet as they lifted their gaze toward the holy city, they preached courage to their hearts, proclaiming their help was found in their Creator, not in creation nor in a destination.

After confidently declaring who was their help, they reminded themselves of how He would help them:

The Lord would ensure their feet wouldn’t slip (Psalm 121:3).
He would protect and preserve His people (Psalm 121:7-8).
He never sleeps, so His vigilant eye would always be on them, guarding them from evil (Psalm 121:4).

No matter what “help me” moment we find ourselves in, God is ever-present, supremely interested and personally invested. We, too, can look beyond what is made to behold our Maker, reminding ourselves that Jesus has unlimited power to save, keep and carry us safely home.

Our journey won’t always be easy. But the God who created the mountain before us is far greater than the dangerous climb. He’s enthroned on high but journeys with us down low, sovereignly watching over every shaky step.

Precious friend, there’s no shame in a simple “help me” prayer; it conveys desperation while expressing humble dependence. It confesses we don’t know the way, but we know the One who does.

When we’re weary of persevering, let’s boldly shout, Lord, help me!
When we don’t know how to help our child, let’s plead, Lord, help me.
When anxiety clouds our thinking, let's whisper, Lord, help me.

The Lord may not eliminate every problem on this side of heaven, but He walks with us through it all and hears our every cry.

Heavenly Father, I’m desperate for Your help. Please lead and carry me through rough terrain, all for the glory of Your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 109:21, “But you, Sovereign LORD, help me for your name’s sake; out of the goodness of your love, deliver me” (NIV).

Psalm 120:1, “I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me” (NIV).

How have you experienced the Lord’s help in the past? How does this encourage you to seek and trust Him with a present difficulty?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Please share in the comments.

© 2024 by Beth Knight. All rights reserved.