“A Song of Ascents.
I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.”
Though the circumstances that led to this psalm and specifically which cause the psalmist to look to the mountains are not clearly stated, and so it may be hard to immediately relate to their motivations, it can be assumed that he may have been in a state of anxiety or distress. And even if they were not, if we were to consider this on a more personal level, aren’t we all in need of the LORD’s help to one degree or another every day?
“Wherever we are, at home or abroad, we are exposed to danger more than we are aware of; and this psalm directs and encourages us to repose ourselves and our confidence in God, and by faith to put ourselves under his protection and commit ourselves to his care, which we must do, with an entire resignation and satisfaction, in singing this psalm.” – Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible
I will lift up my eyes
Lifting one’s eyes involves a choice of one’s will. What or where one lifts one’s eyes to look therefore reflects one’s heart disposition. Where we choose to “lift our eyes” can have significant consequences, either good or bad! So, we must be careful where we “lift [our] eyes!” In another “Song of Ascents” we see a good example to imitate: “A Song of Ascents. Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” (Psalm 123:1)
If ever in doubt where we should lift our eyes, we can look back to Hebrews 12:2, in which we are urged to look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith”. If our eyes are fixed on Him, our wills are more likely to be surrendered to His Spirit and our feet are more likely to follow Him.
“Do not look back — as Lot’s wife did.
Do not look within — as too many do.
Do not look around — as David did.
But “look up!” Look up to God — He is your Father, your Friend, your Saviour. He can help you. He will help you. He says, “Look unto Me, and be delivered — for I am God!” – J R Smith
From whence comes my help?
This is a question, but the question does not express doubt, hopelessness, or despair. It is simply asked to introduce the answer which follows. However, one thing to note is the KJV, which renders the verse not as an question but as a statement of fact.
“A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.”
“The Hebrew term me’ayin is interrogative, not relative, in function. Rather than directly stating that his source of help descends from the hills, the psalmist is asking, “From where does my help come?” Nevertheless, the first line does indicate that he is looking toward the hills for help, probably indicating that he is looking up toward the sky in anticipation of supernatural intervention.” – Net Bible Note
“This section should therefore be read as a question “From whence cometh my help?” It is rendered in this manner by most of the modern translations. For example, the CSB plainly states “I look up to the mountains – does my help come from there?” Which is answered by the declaration “Not from the hills or the creation, but from the God of creation.”” – Keil & Delitzsch
My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
Let’s try this. Here’s a question – Where (to who) do you go first when faced with an obstacle, a difficult trial, a sudden setback, etc. Do you run to the source of your Salvation? Do you consider Him as your Help? What about right now? Is there something weighing down on your mind? Have you taken it to Him?
If he has accomplished the greater (Creation of not only heaven and earth but everything), He will surely accomplish the lesser (Be our Helper in time of need). Looking at His attributes of Omnipresence, Omniscience, Omnibenevolence and Omnipotence assure us that He has the ability and intention to follow through on His promise to help us.
“In contrast to humans meeting human needs, the psalmist says, “My help comes from the Lord.” Why turn to anything else? If you are a creature, your only possible help is from your Creator. Seek your blessings only within God’s will. He will supply your needs. Ask yourself, what help do you give others? In difficult relationships or tough situations, do you tell your friends what they are comfortable hearing or do you direct them to God?” – Mike Gilbart-Smith
If you ever find yourself thinking your problem is too complex for Jehovah remember His rhetorical question “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” (Ge 18:14, Jer 32:27, Mt 19:26, Isa 59:1, Nu 11:23)
Over the week, take time to meditate on the truth that the same God takes a personal interest in you, His child, so that you too will be led to declare the Lord as Jehovah “my help”.
My Sunday Skl 