In Psalms 121 What Does It Mean To Look To The Hills For Help And How Can We Apply This In Our Lives Today?
Understanding Psalm 121: Looking to the Hills for Help
Psalm 121 is a beloved passage, often quoted for encouragement and assurance of God’s protection. Written as one of the "Songs of Ascents," it was likely sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, a city set on a hill, for worship. The psalm begins with a striking image:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the mountains: From whence shall my help come? - Psalm 121:1 ASV
This verse raises a key question: What does it mean to look to the hills for help, and how is this relevant for believers today?
The Hills: Symbolism and Meaning
The "hills" or "mountains" in this context can carry several layers of meaning:
- Physical Geography: As travelers approached Jerusalem, they literally saw hills surrounding the city (Psalm 125:2 ASV). For weary pilgrims, these hills represented both challenge and hope—the final stretch toward God’s temple.
- Sources of False Help: In ancient times, hills were often sites for pagan worship and altars (1 Kings 14:23 ASV). Some interpreters suggest the psalmist is rejecting false sources of help, instead turning to the true God.
- Metaphor for Lifting Our Eyes: The act of lifting one’s eyes suggests seeking help beyond oneself, acknowledging dependence on something greater.
The psalmist quickly answers his own question:
My help cometh from Jehovah, Who made heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:2 ASV
The focus shifts from the hills themselves to the Creator of the hills. True help is not found in the creation, but in the Creator.
God's Faithful Protection
The remainder of Psalm 121 emphasizes God’s unwavering care:
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber. - Psalm 121:3 ASV
Jehovah will keep thee from all evil; He will keep thy soul. Jehovah will keep thy going out and thy coming in From this time forth and for evermore. - Psalm 121:7-8 ASV
The repeated phrase "He will keep" underscores God's role as our protector and provider. He is ever-watchful, never distracted or tired, and He guards all aspects of our lives.
Application for Believers Today
What does it mean for us to "lift our eyes to the hills" today? Here are several practical applications:
- Seek Help from God, Not Merely from Creation or Human Solutions: When facing trouble, it’s natural to look to our own resources, others, or even nature for relief. Psalm 121 reminds us that while God may use various means, our ultimate trust must be in Him alone (Proverbs 3:5-6 ASV).
- Recognize God’s Sovereignty and Power: The God who made heaven and earth is able to help us in every circumstance, no matter how daunting. Jesus affirmed this when He taught that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 ASV).
- Rest in God’s Constant Care: God’s watchful eye is on His people at all times. Even when we feel vulnerable or alone, He neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:4 ASV).
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Live in Confidence, Not Fear: Trusting in God’s protection allows us to face life’s "journeys" with courage. The New Testament echoes this confidence in Christ:
The Lord is my helper; I will not fear: What shall man do unto me? - Hebrews 13:6 ASV
Christ-Centered Perspective
Ultimately, every promise of God’s help finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is our ever-present help, the One who secures our salvation and intercedes for us at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34 ASV). Through faith in Him, we know we are eternally kept and cared for.
Summary
To "lift our eyes to the hills" is to recognize our need and look beyond ourselves to the Maker of heaven and earth. It is a call to trust in God’s sovereign care and to live with the assurance that He is both willing and able to protect, guide, and sustain us, both now and forevermore.