Where Our Help Comes From: A Reflection On Psalm 121
Life throws curveballs. Have you ever felt nervous facing the unknown, like your first day on a new job? Have you ever felt the spotlight’s glare and felt inadequate? Have you ever shouted or whispered, “Someone help me?” Or perhaps your challenges are more internal: a diagnosis with no cure, constant arguments with your children, a life-altering decision with no clear path. Where do you turn for help?
Psalm 121 speaks to this. Since this is one of the Psalms of Ascent (120-134), picture the author on a spiritual pilgrimage, traveling from his rural village through the open desert to the big city of Jerusalem. Yet, the hills along their journey often hid bandits and outlaws; he may worry for his wife and daughter or the offering he brings.
As the sun sets and the hills pose threats, he pens these words:
“I lift my eyes up to the mountains—from where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made the heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)
Don’t be confused. The author isn’t looking to the mountains for help; the mountains are the problem. They bring fear. They cause him to ask the question, which he immediately answers: our help comes from Yahweh, who, for the record, made the heavens and earth. The One who spoke the universe into being is the same One who hears our cries and promises His help.
In this psalm, God assures us He’s not just waiting at the destination; He’s with us every step of the way.
While the Psalms of Ascent were written for pilgrims journeying to God’s presence, isn’t that the journey we are all on? In this psalm, God assures us He’s not just waiting at the destination; He’s with us every step of the way. He invites us to draw close each day and to act in faith, knowing He walks beside us.
Isaiah echoes this promise:
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…”
Notice, He doesn’t promise we won’t go through the waters but assures us He’s with us in the boat. Remember Jesus in the boat with the disciples in the storm. He’s like, Why are you so frightened? Don’t you realize I am in this boat with you? Don’t you realize who I am? Do you remember what happened after that? They were more afraid after Jesus calmed the storm than when the boat was sinking! “Who is this that even the storm and waves obey Him?!” This is the Lord who vows to help you!
Why are you so frightened? Don’t you realize I am in this boat with you? Don’t you realize who I am?
In verse 3 of Psalm 121, the focus shifts from “I” and “me” to “you” and “yours.” The psalmist applies this truth to us:
Psalm 121:3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Hebrew word shamar means “to keep, guard, or watch over,” like a shepherd protecting his flock. This wasn’t just poetic imagery for the Israelites; it was a lifeline. They understood the very real dangers of their journey and trusted that God was actively watching over them every step of the way.
This doesn’t mean God will keep us from every hardship and inconvenience. He will provide the help, strength, and guidance to navigate them. It’s not about ease; it’s about God’s presence, sustaining grace, and ultimate victory over evil. Even when you feel alone and vulnerable, God is there.
The psalm continues:
Psalm 121:5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on [at] your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.
The right hand symbolizes power and protection. God is at your side, in the doctor’s office, the courtroom, the battlefield of life.
The right hand symbolizes power and protection. God is at your side, in the doctor’s office, the courtroom, the battlefield of life.
Psalm 121:7 The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.
God’s protection doesn’t guarantee a pain-free existence. We will experience sadness, loss, and heartache. But evil and suffering will not have the final word. Jesus’ death and resurrection demonstrate that evil has already done its worst, and it lost.
Jesus’ interaction with Peter before his denial illustrates this beautifully:
Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Jesus didn’t condemn Peter; He focused on his restoration. God’s grace picks us up when we stumble, making us stronger and more compassionate towards others.
Jesus didn’t condemn Peter; He focused on his restoration. God’s grace picks us up when we stumble, making us stronger and more compassionate towards others.
God doesn’t promise perfect marriages, successful children, or perfect health. He promises believers His presence, His help, His strength. He invites His children into intimacy and trust. And whether we accept that invitation or not, He promises to protect us from ultimate harm and bring us into His eternal glory.
He invites His children into intimacy and trust. And whether we accept that invitation or not, He promises to protect us from ultimate harm and bring us into His eternal glory.
Whatever your mountain or fear, ask yourself, “What are you trusting to get you through this, and what are you looking to for help?” Then, may God grant you to pivot, take your thoughts captive to Christ, and say aloud: “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth… He is at my right-hand, day and night. The LORD will protect me from all evil and keep my soul.