Help from the Mountains

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. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 121 ESV).

 

Every continent on earth has mountains. Some are cold, rugged, and difficult to climb. Others are favorite vacation spots. Still others are sources of water, timber, and other natural resources. When you see the vista of these mountains stretching across the horizon it is easy to be reminded of God’s greatness and our smallness. The picture I have included today is from a sunset in the Smoky Mountains. We are partial to this part of the Eastern Range in our nation, although we’ve traveled in the past to others as well. The majesty of this great part of God’s creation is undeniable.

 

Our reading today asks us to consider “lifting up our eyes” (v. 1) to see the majesty of God in his creation. Setting out for their trip to Jerusalem for a festival, pilgrims often sang this song to remind each other of the dangers of the journey ahead and of the assurances of God’s protection. God is greater than any so-called god of the hills or mountains — the Lord God is earth’s Creator. God is more powerful than any force of the sun or moon — the Lord created them too. The false gods of other ­nations might have had to take vacations, but not the Lord God Almighty, who never slumbers or sleeps.

 

We need to remember that we are constantly in the midst of a “journey.” Whether we are taking a mere step or two, or traveling for hundreds of miles, we should remind ourselves, as those pilgrims did, that we travel with God. We need not fear the dangers of the road or threats from others; every step of our way is seen by God, who watches over us.

 

Our God, the Creator of earth’s highest mountains and deepest valleys, as well as everything in between, is also the protector of our lives. Today may be a time in your journey when you especially need to hear that truth. God is indeed the One who will keep you from all evil! Trust Him!