I Lift Up My Eyes

Scripture: Psalm 121:1-7 (NIV)

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life."

Devotion:

Looking in the Right Direction

The psalmist begins with a question we've all asked in moments of fear, uncertainty, or desperation: "Where does my help come from?" Notice he doesn't begin with an answer but with honest seeking. He lifts his eyes to the mountains—perhaps looking toward Jerusalem, where the temple stood, or scanning the horizon for approaching danger or deliverance.

But the question itself is crucial. In our age of self-reliance and endless resources, we're tempted to look everywhere except to God. We look to our bank accounts, our skills, our connections, our plans. Yet the psalmist reminds us that true help—the kind that addresses our deepest needs—comes from one source alone: the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The God Who Never Sleeps

One of the most comforting truths in this psalm is that God never sleeps. While we must rest, while we lose consciousness for hours each night, God remains alert. He doesn't take breaks. He doesn't clock out. He doesn't need coffee to stay awake or alarms to rouse Him.

Think about what this means practically. Is that concern keeping you awake at 3 a.m.? God is already watching over it. That child you're worried about? God hasn't taken His eyes off them. That situation at work, that health diagnosis, that relationship—God's attention hasn't wavered for even a moment.

We can sleep because God doesn't. We can rest because He remains vigilant. His unwavering strength covers our weakness.

Comprehensive Protection

Notice the totality of God's care described in this passage. He keeps your foot from slipping—protecting you from stumbling in your daily walk. He's your shade at your right hand—the place of honor and vulnerability. The sun won't harm you by day, nor the moon by night—every moment, in every circumstance, you're covered.

This isn't a promise that nothing difficult will ever happen. Rather, it's an assurance that nothing can touch you without first passing through God's loving, sovereign hand. He watches over your life—not just your circumstances, but your very soul. His protection is comprehensive, covering both the seen and unseen dangers we face.

The LORD, Three Times

Did you notice how the passage repeatedly emphasizes "the LORD"? This is the covenant name of God—Yahweh—the name He revealed to Moses, the name that speaks of His faithfulness, His personal relationship with His people, His unchanging character.

This isn't just any deity offering generic protection. This is the LORD—your God, who has bound Himself to you in covenant love, who knows your name, who has numbered the hairs on your head. The protection offered here flows from a relationship, not mere divine power.

Living in This Truth Today

Today, you may be facing mountains of difficulty. Financial pressures. Health concerns. Relational conflicts. Uncertain futures. The temptation is to look to those mountains and let them define your reality.

Instead, lift your eyes. Look beyond the mountains to the Maker of heaven and earth. The One who spoke galaxies into existence cares about your daily steps. The One who holds the universe together is holding you.

What weight have you been carrying that belongs in His hands? What sleep have you been losing over matters He's already watching? What help have you been seeking from sources that can never truly satisfy?

Prayer:

Lord, my help comes from You alone. Forgive me for the times I've looked everywhere else first—to my own strength, to other people, to temporary solutions. Thank You that You never sleep, that Your attention never wavers, that Your care is complete. Help me to rest in Your watchfulness today. Guard my steps, protect my life, and give me peace that comes from knowing the Maker of heaven and earth holds me. Amen.