“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, NRSV).

 

     “From where will my help come?” (Psalm 121:1, NRSV). What a fascinating question.  Ancient wisdom has it that God helps those who help themselves. Pastor Rick Warren disagrees by claiming, “God doesn’t help those who help themselves. He helps those who turn to Him.”

     Yet, if turning to God is all it takes to receive God’s help, then why does it take so long for help to arrive sometimes? Is the problem that God enjoys watching us sweat while we wait? Such a conclusion makes God out to be rather cruel and dispassionate. The Scriptures otherwise testify to God as One who is so empathetic to our difficulties in that He keeps our tears in a bottle (see Psalm 56:8). When God makes us wait I am confident that He is looking out for our best interests—like perhaps growing our patience or emotional stamina.

     But, back to my question. Why does it take so long for God’s help to arrive? Could it be that the issue is not one of God’s timing but a matter of our capacity to discern what God’s help looks like?

     I recall that old story about a man who was drowning in a river and calling out to God for help. One at a time, God sends a rope, a boat, then a helicopter. In each instance, the man refuses the offer believing that God will come firsthand and pull the man to safety. When the man eventually drowns, he goes to heaven and asks God face-to-face, “Why did you not come and help me? I had placed my hope in you.” God replies, “What more could I have done for you, friend? I sent you a rope, a boat, and a helicopter.”

     Hindsight, as they say, is twenty-twenty. Looking back across my life, I realize now that I have missed a number of opportunities to receive God’s help when He offered it. Such as the time I prayed that God would grant me an A on a college Chemistry exam. I expected God to just magically instill the right answers into my head. Instead, God sent my roommate to get us some coffee so that we could stay up a few hours later to study.

     At any rate, the next time you find yourself asking the question, “Where does my help come from?” you might want to lift your eyes to the mountains…and perhaps you will see the rope, boat, or helicopter that He may send from above.

Prayer

Lord God, grant me your Spirit in those moments when I turn to you. Give me the clarity of vision to discern the opportunities you offer to help me. Through Christ I pray. Amen.