Where Does My Help Come From?

Psalm 121 is a well-known chapter in the Bible. From songs and hymns to conversations in church, it is a psalm that rings familiar for many of us.

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 (Psalms 121:1-2 ESV). 

It is a truth that we can perhaps recite word for word, but what happens when we really do need help?

I have been a Christian since the age of 11 and, in that time, I have had it relatively easy. That was, until last September. On the day of my brother’s wedding, I had a nervous breakdown (talk about timing!) I had always been known as the bright and bubbly member of the family, always cheery and taking everything in my stride, but on that day, it was like everything went dark. I had been relying on myself and leaning completely on what I understood of the world. I was in a happy relationship, had recently moved to my favorite city and my brother was getting married! I could not understand why I was in hysterics, going from severe panic attacks to trying to shake off suicidal thoughts. And then, that lightbulb moment came.

“I need help,” I finally said to my mother, who had been trying to calm me down. I had realized that up until this point, I knew that God could help me, but I did not think I needed Him to. I thought I could do it alone, that I could work out any issues by myself. Evidently, that was not true.

I confessed that I needed help to my family, and then I took myself to Jesus, repented of my desire to control my life, and laid everything before the Lord and said, “I cannot do this alone.” Since then, it has not been perfect; in fact, some days are still very dark, but I come back to Jesus, I ask Him to step in, and He does so perfectly, every single time.

My challenge to you today is this:
You may know that your help comes from the Lord, you may know that He will keep you from all harm, however, are you willing to let Him do so? Submit yourself to Christ again, confess that His way of helping is greater than yours, and then leave room for Him to move.

Pray this prayer with me:
God, I repent for the times that I have chosen my ways instead of Yours. I thank You that You are my ever-present help in times of trouble. Today, help me to choose You, and lean not on my own understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.

~

Scripture is quoted from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.