I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Do you ever long for change? Maybe you are tired of school and studying. Maybe you are tired of your job, or of not having one. Our hearts long for changes for the better. Have you ever longed to be closer to God? Would you go somewhere far away for His sake? What if this means changing where you live and are comfortable?
Our whole life is filled with changes, but the greatest one of all will be our walk to heaven. That is why the words of this song should be significant to each of us. Because we all are coming from and going to somewhere. We sigh like the ancient traveler who penned the Psalm before us today. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come?” God is our help and gives us His hand.
There are moments in our lives when all we want to do is turn from life’s everyday occurrences and walk away. We get tired and worn out from our day-to-day work. But then comes the Lord’s Day, a day of new mercy. Every week, God calls us to this soul-refreshing change by celebrating the Holy Day. “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” This means that every one of us should plan not only his work, but also schedule for rest and a time for other people and God.
These are words for a pilgrimage song. The word “pilgrimage” itself holds many good things. It would be good if we could label our life as such – it would mean a good lifestyle, good relationships, and walking a straight path. Pilgrimage means to go to a sacred place. If you are only watching your step you can easily run into something, but if you are constantly looking at some distant object, it will be easier to find the straight way. When the most important thing –our relationship with God –is seen as the essential, then it opens all other doors.
This is a song. Indeed, it’s better to sing along the way during life, than to moan about it. It won’t be any easier if you complain and count each step. What does it mean when you see somebody singing along the way? It represents a good mood, joyfulness, hope, and God’s blessing. And we should take into account that it’s very important what we sing. “My help comes from the Lord… ”
Which way are you going? Who is your guide? The author of these words had a good, right, and holy goal. He was on a journey with a trustworthy Guide. And He can also be yours, wherever you are!
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be our Guard and Guide wherever we go and in whatever we do. In Your Name we pray. Amen.
Biography of Author:
Pastor Ivar Jacobson serves three congregations and is chaplain at the Christian school in Riga.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 10-12 Matthew 4
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