Rev. James W. Kirk

Today’s Psalm for my text is one of 15 Psalms called the Pilgrim Psalms or Songs of Ascent. They were originally sung by those who journeyed toward Jerusalem or ascended to the temple for the annual feasts. Each psalm represents a step along the way of that journey.

And, what better connection to this season of Lent than a journey to Jerusalem?

But, also, what better model for us, here in the 21st century for our journey. After all, our journey has become more difficult lately, right? There are some unknowns that are challenging us, right? Believing in the source of all that we have is important to our daily lives, especially now.

Psalm 121 begins, “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from?”

The Psalmist says this because they could see the majestic hills in the distance as they traveled toward Jerusalem.

Their eyes did not look to those hills for help on this journey, but they did look to God for their help. My help comes from the Lord who is the maker of the hills.

Even though the hills are very beautiful and a splendid creation, this Psalm indicates there is some uncertainty on this journey. At the beginning of their journey, they were probably excited about this trip to Jerusalem.

However, they also had some apprehension about getting from here to there. You see, they knew that trip could be filled with danger in those mountain passes and lonely valleys along the way.

The Psalmist points out that along the way, their help comes from God, who made those mountains and any uncertainty is quieted by unquestioning trust in the Lord. You and I need that kind of trust now more than ever.

Given our current situation with challenges from this virus, where do we truly believe our help comes from? What is our personal and collective source for everything we need?

God is our source: Most of us want to hang on to something we can touch, see, smell, hear or taste. We are often more accustomed to living by sight and feelings rather than living by faith because sometimes that works for us. The Psalmist is showing that we’ve got to learn to count on God as the source.

Now, that does not mean we should completely ignore whatever God has created and given to help us. Rather, we should recognize that it all comes from one source the God of our lives.

God is already helping His churches to provide worship, even without face-to-face meetings in person. God is already helping our health officials to care for us and our future. God is already directing our local and national government officials to tirelessly plan and carry out plans in our best interest.

I see the living Jesus Christ in people staying at home and still communicating with loved ones.

Psalm 121 gives us many assurances of God’s presence and provisions for us all. God’s peace to all!

Rev. James W. Kirk is the pastor of Valencia Presbyterian Church.