I look up to the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 121:1-2 NLT

One of the issues plaguing God’s people in Israel throughout the Old Testament times was that they would turn to other nations for help instead of relying on God for help and protection. They would make a deal with Egypt because they had horses and chariots. They would turn to other countries like Syria or Edom when they were strong at the time of Israel’s need. On each occasion, when Israel was in trouble, they would run to a neighboring country for help. God warned them time and time again to only put their trust in Him. Many times, however, Israel chose to ignore God’s rebuke. Often, this led them to defeat as punishment for not following God and by not placing their faith in Him and relying on His strength, care and protection.

Now, before I get too judgmental, I have to look at myself and my attitudes and reasoning when going through difficulty. Do I turn to human wisdom, education or look to something else instead of fully relying on God for my answers for difficult moments?

Many who say they trust God will try to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and reason through their problems, instead of allowing God to help them through the difficult issues. Like God promised Israel that He would take care of them, He promises us that His strength is with us, even in hard times. Why would God make such a promise? It is simple. God loves us!

God made this promise of love over and over throughout history. God promised Abraham that He loved him enough to make him the Father of a great nation. To Noah, God promised He would save him and his family from destruction. God promised that He would lead the Israelites out of slavery to the Promised Land. God did this, and He is there for us if we live by faith in who He is, knowing how much God loves us and wants to have a personal relationship with us. We should put all our trust in Him and rely on Him for our strength and sufficiently.

In these days of COVID, fully rely on God.

Prayer

Today, help us be still and know You are God! Help us turn to You for all things in life, big or small. Help us keep our heart in tune with You, and no matter what may come, trust in Your love, Your strength and Your guidance to get us through all things in our life. Amen.