I will lift up my eyes to the hills –
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121: 1-2
Psalm 121 is one of the “songs of ascent” (Psalms 120-134). Psalm 121 is a song for the journey of life and about seeking God’s help amid the dangers that the people of God could encounter with the encouragement to look to God for help.
These are difficult times with the spread of the coronavirus and a deep loss of the feeling security and safety in our world. This Psalm has always helped to give me hope and strength in my faith.
It was also one of my mother’s favorites and shared at my mother’s funeral. The words tell us to look up and look ahead, knowing that God is always with us.
This Psalm also speaks to me when I am outside, perhaps because I grew up on the farm. I have always enjoyed getting outside to go for a walk, hike, row or work in my garden. Even being outside in the snow and rain rejuvenates me and helps my inner peace.
The wind, fresh air, birds, trees, wildflowers and all of God’s creation surround me. Lately, I have been checking out the wetlands in my neighborhood for that early skunk cabbage. I thank God for this time in his creation. It is a time for mindfulness, thankfulness and also offers me that space for thinking of others needing my prayers.
Whatever “hills” we are climbing, may we find God’s Peace and Love and know that God is always with us. God’s Peace be unto you! – Amen
Wilma Breiland