Ewald Schmidt

“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.” Psalm 121:1 (NIV)

It might be hard reading through the promises of Psalm 121 when you have experienced some traumatic events in the past few months. I do not think the pilgrim writing this song tried to give the impression that life would always be easy for the believer. I do not think it conveys the message that all our trials and tribulations in life will be over once we start to trust the Lord.

This pilgrim is deeply aware of mountains that must be conquered in his journey of life. The mountains symbolise places of challenge. Places that might hold a threat. It is in the mountains where robbers like to ambush weary travellers. In the mountains, packs of wild animals stalk their prey. It is much harder travelling on mountainous terrain, with the uphills taxing endurance, and the downhills hurting feet. Afrikaans-speaking people have the saying that a difficult time lies like a mountain in your path. One travels much slower through mountains, using much more energy doing it. When one is walking on a trail and sees a mountain approaching, one starts to take stock of the situation. This is a challenge. Am I able to conquer it? Do I have the strength and the energy needed to reach the summit?

The pilgrim saw the mountains lying in front of him which he had to cross to reach his destination. He recognised the challenge, and then took stock of what needed to be done. He prayed about it, and then answered his own question. Of course I can conquer this mountain in front of me. God, the Maker of heaven and earth, will give me the strength I need. He will help me. With his help, I will stand on the summit and look back on another challenge I have overcome by the grace of God. This pilgrim knows that God is helping him to reach his destiny in life. There is no danger on earth that can tear us from the love of God. The Apostle Paul would say the same thing in Romans 8:38 - not even death can separate us from the love of God. The message of Psalm 121 for today is that God is with us on our journey, and all mountains in front of us are conquerable, because He loves to help us do it!

Prayer: Lord, I sometimes feel a little bit intimidated when I see some mountains lying before me. But I also know that all mountains will be conquered when you are helping me to do it. You have created heaven and earth, and my mountain looks small from your point of view. Please help me to see it through the eyes of faith, so that I can stand on the summit soon and praise your Name! Amen