HELP FROM ABOVE

JUNE 19

Psalm 121

Psalm 117:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

As with the previous psalm, this is one of the fifteen known as the “Songs of Ascents,” sung by worshipers traveling to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals. Whether by organized procession or personal pilgrimage, these journeys were long, often difficult, and filled with risk.

Unlike modern travel, these pilgrims went by foot, facing challenges such as finding food, water, and shelter—no fast food or rest stops along the way. Robbers were a constant threat, and there was no way to call for help in case of illness or injury.

So, when the Psalmist 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,” he may have been looking at those hills with a mix of concern and hope. The hills could hide danger. Some hills were even sites of pagan worship, but the Psalmist makes it clear: “I see the hills—they might be filled with threats or false hopes. But my help doesn’t come from there. My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

And we all need help. Life brings physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Some are minor; others are deep, hidden from others, but seen by God alone. Needs arise from trials, from life’s unpredictability, or from our own poor choices.

The Psalmist knew where to turn: to the Creator, powerful enough to make the universe and personal enough to care for every detail of our lives. The same God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field sees you and cares for you.

When trouble comes, where do you look? It’s easy to fixate on the problem or lean too heavily on people. Counsel and help from others can be good, but they should never replace our trust in God. He alone is our ultimate source of help and hope.

“My help comes not from the hills but from the One who made them!”

Application Questions: When faced with trouble or uncertainty, where do you instinctively turn first—and what would it look like to turn to God instead? How does remembering that God is the Creator of heaven and earth strengthen your confidence in His ability to help you with your current needs?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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