Wednesday, November 1, 2006

My Ultimate Helper


My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

I love Scripture that reminds me of who God is and what God is in relationship to my life. Psalm 121 gives me four aspects of God that are encouraging and refreshing to read. He is my Helper, my Keeper, my Protector, and my Guard. Talk about feeling surrounded and safe!!!! As His child, some of my most basic needs are to be loved, cared for, nurtured, and wanted. If I am seeking to get those needs met independent of God I am in for disappointment, heartache, and sorrow.

To think that the One who comes to my aid is the One who created heaven and earth. Anything I bring to Him shrinks in comparison to the magnitude of His creation. I often jokingly will tell someone, “Yes, God divided the Red Sea, brought water out of the rock, raised the dead, defeated vast armies, and much more…..but what I am bringing to Him is a BIG problem.” Laughter erupts because of the absurdity of such a statement!

Isn’t it interesting how certain individuals can come to our aid and just their presence relieves us? For instance, seeing a fireman when there is a fire, seeing a policeman when a crime is about to be committed against us, seeing a soldier (from YOUR nation) when the enemy has moved in? Those are just a few examples but none of them can compare with the presence of God in ones life. His attributes of being all-present, all-power, and all-knowing put Him far above any human source of help.

I am coming to realize that His help (while always available) does not mean life will automatically go my way, that dangers will disappear, or that heartache will cease. But when I go through a storm or a valley He is able to preserve my soul and spirit. Though my outward life may be filled with difficulties, He is able to bring peace and safety to my internal world. It does not mean there will be no tears. It means I will be able to shed those tears on His shoulders and in His arms.

I long to live in a perfect world with perfect people and perfect situations….but that is Heaven. While I am living my days out here, I am learning to take refuge under the shadow of His wings.

Father, Your many invitations to come to You show me where to turn throughout my day. As my helper, keeper, protector, and guard, You quiet my heart amidst any difficulty. May I always rest in You. Amen.