“I will lift up my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:1-4 NKJV
God who made heaven and earth,
This is one of those Psalms we know the first few verses of well. But like with many hymns I can remember the first verse easily but struggle with the rest! But these verses are my go to scripture when I want to counter those who worship the stars or creation and look no further. Yes, stood on the top of a lake district Crag , the Malvern Hills, Snowdonia or even little Mow Cop I can marvel at the amazing views, the wonder of Your creation. But worship You who created it. The children of Israel felt that high places were somehow more Holy, nearer to You. But I lift my eyes and find I am always with You. You who cannot be contained by this world.
We wonder is that Jesus walked among us and on the mountainsides He created. Actually living among His creation. This is where our help comes from. Your Son who, with You, created it and us. Then lived and died for us. You are not some limited idol but the Saviour of the world and the One who gives us limitless help. Sometimes we need scripture to paint the picture and help us regain our perspective.
We may lift our eyes to the hills, yes they are beautiful majestic and magnificent – but our help comes from You. Who formed them in love. We worship You today even if we have only little hills near us and no mountains, for You are our help day and night.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who made heaven and earth,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For their needs for today and joy and love.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Keep us loving all who come.
For young people who see impossible ideals of beauty and fashion on social media.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family as they seek to serve the nation.
For our government and their families. Amidst the many words and promises raise up good men and women to serve for the nations best.
For Ukraine a withdrawal of Russian troops. Lead them to peace and end to oppression.
For all areas where there is war, military oppression and civil war. For peace and a new way forward. Gaza, Sudan, the Middle East, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria . . .
For Zion, for Jerusalem today, to find a way for peace with its neighbours.
For those who live in beautiful remote mountainous places with amazing views but have suffered earthquakes, poor harvests or live on the edge of poverty. For their children and those charities who seek to educate them.
For our local community neighbours, doctors, dentists, police and schools.
For our world, show us how care for it as it provides for us.
For ourselves, remind us of some of the beautiful scenes we have seen. From a flower in the garden and evening sky to mountains if we have been privileged to travel and see them.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 11th January 2024
I have not heard this for many years and reminds me again how powerful it is to sing scripture.
I lift my eyes up, to the mountains
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from You
Maker of heaven, Creator of the earth
Repeat . . .
Oh how I need you Lord
You are my only hope
You’re my only prayer
So I will wait for you
to come and rescue me
Come and give me life
Lyrics: Brian Doerkson
(Inspired by Psalm 121)