Answer
Psalm 121 is classified as one of the “Songs of Ascent” sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. The initial two verses present a poetic inquiry and response: “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). While ascending the hills on the way to Jerusalem, the psalmist confirms that the Lord, who formed the heavens and the earth, is his only source of assistance.
According to Jewish tradition, God’s people sang these Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120—134) as they traveled to the temple for annual worship festivals. Psalm 121 expresses the worshiper’s trust in God to protect Israel and shield His people from all harm. Simultaneously, this psalm serves as a broad affirmation of faith in God as the guardian and defender throughout life’s journey.
When the poet gazes at the mountains, it is as though he envisions Yahweh, the Creator of heaven and earth, enthroned there in His celestial abode. The Bible frequently mentions the heights of Jerusalem as the sacred mountain where God resides (Zechariah 8:3;Psalm 48:1-2;Isaiah 27:13). From this elevated site of God’s presence emanates help from the Lord: “I cry out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain” (Psalm 3:4;see also Psalm 20:2;see also Psalm 134:3). Similarly, from this sacred abode of the Lord comes eternal security: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore” « As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So the LORD is round about his people from henceforth.Even forever. », (Psalm 125:2).
Our help comes from the Lord through His vigilant, never-wearying, sleepless protection: “He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:3-4). In every danger, whether from sunstroke in the heat of the day or exposure to the cold of night, “the LORD Himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade” (Psalm 121:5-6; NLT; see also Psalm 91:1). Whether we face threats to the body or soul, in every situation of life, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” «God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.», (Psalm 46:1, NLT). Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, God has us covered.
The child of God can confidently say, “My help comes from the Lord,” because God keeps and protects His children at all times and in all dangers: “The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever” (Psalm 121:7-8; NLT).
The Bible is full of incredible promises of help from the Lord for those who hope and trust in Him: “You who fear Him, trust in the LORD—He is their help and shield” (Psalm 115:11; see also Psalm 33:20). In Psalm 23, the Lord is our Shepherd, leading and guiding us through all of life’s hardships and joys. In the New Testament, believers in Jesus say, “My help com
Believers can confidently declare, “My assistance comes from the Lord,” because Christ is their Good Shepherd who sacrifices His life for the sheep (John 10:11-15).
The Lord assists us in countless ways. He pardons our sins and purifies us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9;Psalm 32:5). God gives us new life in Jesus Christ and liberates us from sin (Colossians 2:20—3:17;Romans 6:18). He bestows upon us eternal life «And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. », (1 John 2:25). The Lord is a loyal companion (John 15:13-14) who soothes our fears, meets our needs, and gives us supernatural peace (2 Timothy 1:7;Philippians 4:6-7). He loves us perfectly and completely, and He never forsakes us (1 John 4:18;Romans 8:31-38).
All believers from every era can declare, “My assistance comes from the Lord!” Regardless of the challenges we encounter in this dim world, God is with us, illuminating the darkness (John 1:4;2 Corinthians 4:6) and supplying all we need for life and godliness «according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: », (2 Peter 1:3). Despite any setbacks, trials, or wickedness we face, our
Our faithful God will transform these challenges to contribute toward our good “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”, (Romans 8:28). Throughout all of our days, He is our Helper and the God who sustains our lives “Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul.”, (Psalm 54:4).