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 121:1-2
Going through a rough patch recently, I asked a friend what her "go to" Bible verse was in dark times. She responded with the verses from Psalm 121 above. I am embarrassed to confess that I was a little disappointed. "My help comes from" sounds like it is being sent to me from Amazon, same-day or overnight, or maybe 5-7 days if I have not prayed hard enough. But, as I looked at the actual meanings of the Hebrew words, I was astonished, and I knew that the Lord was comforting and carrying me forward as He always does.
The phrases translated "help come(s) from," in verses 1 and 2, are two different Hebrew words, the meanings of which paint a breathtaking picture of God's love and care. In verse one, "where does my help (or helper) come from?" the word is bo (בּוֹא) and means come, approach, arrive, come bringing, bring forth, bring in. i
The meaning of the word translated "help comes from" in verse 2, however, is wonderful. It means "with." Wow, let that sink in. My help doesn't arrive from some far-off place in an Amazon box; my help comes with God. The word is im (עִם) and means "accompanies, fellowship, companionship, together with, close to, beside, in the custody or care of." It means "as long as, with all generations, during the night."
From where does my help approach, arrive, come bringing grace and mercy and strength to go on? My help is with the Lord, accompanies His Presence, is close to me, beside me, in our fellowship and companionship together, in His care, for as long as it takes, through the long dark night.
That makes all the difference, doesn't it? I am not ordering online from some far away "help warehouse." I am not leaving a voicemail or text message and hoping God responds. But rather, I am simply leaning back into his arms, whispering all my problems into his lowered ear, and receiving the comfort and strength that only he can give. He is right there with me, now and always, and with his Presence comes everything I need. He is always there with you, too. Always, no matter what it feels like or how dark the situation.
Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the deep?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart" ... Romans 10:6-8
Yet I am always (continually, perpetually, without interruption) with you; you hold me by my right hand. Psalm 73:23
And behold, I am with (among, amid, accompanying) you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20b (ESV)
... for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (AMP)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
... for as long as it takes, through the long dark night.
Image, detail from photo copyright by Derek Bair. Used with permission.
i Definitions from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon.
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