“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

The Help

Early on in life I learned to avoid conflict in order to avoid pain. I maintained a low profile. Don’t bother me and I won’t bother you. I’ll just mind my own business. Well, that only works for a while. Life happens. Arguments, disagreements and conflicting opinions eventually happen to us all. There may be anger or even violence involved at times. Now what?

Trouble seems to find everyone. The book of Job says, “Yet man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). It may be financial trouble or trouble in the marriage or unruly and rebellious kids. Words have hurt or there has been a betrayal. Misunderstandings divide friends. Trouble.

We all make mistakes. We all have regrets. We all have made bad decisions and wrong choices. Trouble. Seemingly unavoidable trouble. Now what?

Sometimes I try to work it out on my own. Sometimes that actually works. Take responsibility, make better choices, do the thing that needs to be done to make it right. But my resources and abilities are limited at best. Often I am not enough. Now what?

This is what I have found. “I will lift my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

He is enough. He is strength I do not have. He is knowledge and wisdom beyond my comprehension. He is provision in my scarcity. He is peace in turmoil. He is healing in my weaknesses. He is a shield from confrontation and criticism. He is love when mine has come to an end. He is my help.

“…So our eyes look to the Lord our God until He has mercy upon us” (Psalm 123:2).

Father, what a refuge and comfort You are in every circumstance. Great is your faithfulness. Amen.