Monday May 29, 2023

Today is Monday, May 29 and we are learning about God our Helper.

As I begin today’s pilgrim journey, I lift up my eyes to seek the God who loves me. I quiet my mind, slow my breath and center my soul on the Lord – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Holy God, I seek to travel the well-worn path of the saints who have gone before me and learn the upward steps that will help me grow in Christian maturity. Hold my hand and guide me to walk in the way that leads to life. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the ancient words of Psalm 121, a Psalm of Ascent.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Pause and Pray

The Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) are songs that were sung by ancient pilgrims as they traveled to Jerusalem for Feast Days, ascending in altitude as they journeyed together. Safety is a vital concern for a pilgrim who is hiking over rugged terrain through lonely countryside. Traveling on foot a person could be injured by a fall or twist an ankle on loose stones. Pilgrims were exposed to the elements – hot sun, driving rain, nighttime cold and gusty winds. There was danger from bandits and wild animals. There was threat of injury, illness and disease. When a person of faith encounters challenges, trials or tribulation, where do they look for help?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:1-8

I have my own list of dangers on my personal pilgrim journey. I live in a world of angry violence and mental instability. Deadly viruses and grave illnesses abound. Accidents happen – in cars, on airplanes and stepladders. I can take precautions by learning safety rules, fastening my seatbelt, and having good insurance. But I cannot guarantee security. When I am concerned or afraid, where do I turn? Worldly solutions instantaneously abound. At the swipe of a finger the internet reveals answers to every problem – promises of safety for the perils of this earthly road. True help however is not found in the empty promises of this world, but in the Creator of heaven and earth.

Ask: How quickly do I turn to God when I have a worry or fear? Do I set my eyes on the Lord’s help or earthly wisdom?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, you are the Creator of the universe, the Maker of heaven and earth. My help comes from you. I trust you to guard my life and watch over me. You have an eye on all my activities – my coming and my going. You shade me from harm, you prevent my foot from slipping and you are always there for me. I lift up my eyes to you, blessed Lord, keep me safe. I know that you are “big enough” and I can put my trust and faith in you. I read the words from the Psalm again and listen for the message you have for me.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:1-8

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

On my journey toward Christian maturity and holiness of heart, I will inevitably face difficulty. There will be challenges, threats, darkness, heaviness, temptations, trials, and tribulations. I will encounter the lies of the enemy, the fears of the world and the frustrations of human nature. This morning I consider the troubles, worries and concerns I have on my mind. Where will I look for help in these situations, relationships and circumstances? Will I look to Jesus or to the world? Will I seek the wisdom of God or Google? Who will I trust to guard me, guide me and help me?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, I invite you into the concerns of my day and ask for your help. In every possible way, you are able to provide exactly what I need at precisely the right time. Turn my fear to faith. Turn my worry to hope. Turn my concern to confidence. Remind me to put my complete trust in you and look to you before anyone or anything else. Amen.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I leave this time of prayer in the strength and help of the Lord. I go to strengthen and help others in the name of Jesus.

Amen