Day 46: Psalm 121:1-2
Devotional
READ Psalm 121:1-2
For many of us, it can be easy to buy into the lie that once we place our faith in Jesus, we’ll be free from trouble. I remember meeting Ken for the first time in a men’s Bible study. We were all so excited for him when he shared that he had just become a believer. He went on to tell us that since making that decision for Christ, he had been falsely accused of stealing at work, resulting in being fired from his longtime job as an airplane mechanic.
God’s Word warns us that in this world we will have trouble. The question is not if we will have trouble, but where will we turn for help when facing trouble. Today we have almost endless options offering help for our problems, from well-meaning friends, family, talking heads on TV, social media influencers, self-help books, and the like. As we take in all of God’s creation, let it remind us that He “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
In Psalm 121, the Psalmist makes his pilgrimage up to Jerusalem, ascending 2,500 feet above sea level. Amid anticipation over the upcoming festival celebrations, thoughts of a current struggle may have caused a downward gaze. As he lifted his head to see the grandeur of the hills around Jerusalem, he was reminded that help for his trouble is available from the Creator of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth.
Eventually, Ken was vindicated and returned to his job. Last I heard, he had taken up farming and was serving as a leader in AWANA at his church.
We may never ascend the hills around Jerusalem, but we have God’s Word at our fingertips. I’ve personally found 1 Peter 5:10 a great encouragement when facing difficult challenges in my life: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” We can experience peace in times of trouble, knowing that the very same God who created heaven and earth loves and cares for us deeply.
For many of us, it can be easy to buy into the lie that once we place our faith in Jesus, we’ll be free from trouble. I remember meeting Ken for the first time in a men’s Bible study. We were all so excited for him when he shared that he had just become a believer. He went on to tell us that since making that decision for Christ, he had been falsely accused of stealing at work, resulting in being fired from his longtime job as an airplane mechanic.
God’s Word warns us that in this world we will have trouble. The question is not if we will have trouble, but where will we turn for help when facing trouble. Today we have almost endless options offering help for our problems, from well-meaning friends, family, talking heads on TV, social media influencers, self-help books, and the like. As we take in all of God’s creation, let it remind us that He “is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
In Psalm 121, the Psalmist makes his pilgrimage up to Jerusalem, ascending 2,500 feet above sea level. Amid anticipation over the upcoming festival celebrations, thoughts of a current struggle may have caused a downward gaze. As he lifted his head to see the grandeur of the hills around Jerusalem, he was reminded that help for his trouble is available from the Creator of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth.
Eventually, Ken was vindicated and returned to his job. Last I heard, he had taken up farming and was serving as a leader in AWANA at his church.
We may never ascend the hills around Jerusalem, but we have God’s Word at our fingertips. I’ve personally found 1 Peter 5:10 a great encouragement when facing difficult challenges in my life: “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” We can experience peace in times of trouble, knowing that the very same God who created heaven and earth loves and cares for us deeply.
Personal Reflection
- Are you, or someone you know, currently facing any difficult life struggles?
- Where do you turn for help in times of trouble?
- What part of God’s creation reminds you of His power in your life?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
2 Comments
Great devotional, Mr. Mike!
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nWhile we have a great plethora of support resources, I believe we should be careful when receiving life advice and help from the media. Much of what the media says—especially in our culture—disregards and even defies God. ?
Lots of places and things offer to help and soothe the trouble the world throws at us. Great reminder that those things are not where true help comes from. Thanks for the challenge to keep our eyes up toward the hill of the Lord.