Our Creator Cares
Bible Reading: Psalm 121
This Psalm is one of a group of fifteen Psalms referred to as the “Songs of Ascents.” It is thought these songs were sung by the people ascending to Jerusalem during the three annual festival processions. It is also possible these songs were sung by pilgrims who were thus journeying on their way.
With that thought in mind, it would be somewhat difficult for us to relate to the traveler of those days. Most likely traveling by foot, any lengthy trip would be filled with all kinds of challenges and hazards. Provision for food, water and shelter would be necessary, no McDonalds along the way! The very real threat of robbers lurking in the hills would be a concern. There’d be no one to call in case of injury or illness or attack.
Was he looking to the hills in concern—the hills would provide cover for vagabonds who might attack? Or, if he was on his way to Jerusalem, was he looking to the hills in anticipation of his arrival to the great city—Jerusalem was hidden amongst those hills.
Psalmist speaks of our need for help. He writes, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
The hills were places where pagan worship often took place. The Psalmist is explaining he does not look to the hills for help, but to the God who made the heavens and earth! But let’s face it, who doesn’t need help from time to time? We humans are needy creatures. We have spiritual needs, physical needs, and emotional needs. We have needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Needs arise out of unexpected challenges and our own poor choices. Sometimes our needs are easily remedied. Other times our needs lie so deep within, onlyGod alone can see and address them.
The Psalmist knew where to look for help. He looked to the One powerful enough to create all things. The One who is powerful enough to resolve our greatest problems. The God who loved us enough to send His Own Son to die for us. He cares about our our smallest concerns. The birds of the air neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, but Our creator God feeds them. He is well able to take care of you too!
We’d do well to follow the Psalmists example. Where do you go in your times of trouble? There are plenty of options. We sometimes anxiously focus our attention on the problem, or the need. Other times, we look to others for their help and counsel. There’s nothing wrong with that unless it serves as a substitute for trusting in God. I’m reminded of Ezra’s return with the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. King Artaxerxes would have provided soldiers and horsemen to protect the group along the way. But Ezra didn’t ask, since he had told the King, “The hand of our god is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him” (Ezra 8:22). So, Ezra and the people fasted and prayed and journeyed safely, as Ezra recounted: “The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and ambushes by the way” (Ezra 8:31). You’re in good hands in God’s hands.
Heavenly Father. How prone we are to trust in men to resolve our troubles when it’s you whom we should trust in every detail of our lives. You made us–who could know us better? Your power is on display in the universe You created–who could possibly be more able and equipped to come to our aid? You’ve amazed us by the love You’ve shown to us through Your Son Jesus! If you didn’t spare your Own Son, but gave Him up for us, why should we doubt your ability to come to our aid? Thank you for loving us and watching over us! We look to you! Amen.
LookingtoJesus 