"I lift up my eyes to the hills— from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Psalms 121:1-2 NRSV
When Kirk was in college at Plymouth State, Janice and I would frequently drive up to Plymouth, NH, to visit and watch Kirk's rugby games. There was always spectacular scenery on the drive up into the White Mountains. While watching the rugby match, we observed the beauty and enormity of God's creation. It was always a little difficult to leave the majesty of the mountains behind.
In today's passage, the author is lifting their eyes to the hills. It would have been the practice of worshippers during this period to pray facing east. One of the mountains lying to the east of Old Jerusalem is Mount Zion, also known as the Temple Mount. Mount Zion is where Abraham offered his son Isaac as a sacrifice, and where Solomon built the First Temple. It is easy then to imagine the author lifting their eyes to this holiest of places in prayer. Witnessing God's majesty and power, in confidence, they could answer their question, "from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord."
God, our creator, we lift our eyes and hearts to you today. As we look around at nature, the beauty of your creation fills us. You created the heavens and earth, animals, and humankind. You have created us and love us unconditionally. While our problems may seem significant to us, they are a small thing for you in the scheme of creation. We can then pray with confidence that you will answer our prayers. We know our help comes from you. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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