In the Ancient Near East, settling a new area required three factors to be present: water, food and safety. In 2 Samuel 5, David becomes king of all Israel and moves to the City of David. This city, according to antiquity was located in the foothills of the mountains surrounding Jerusalem. The drawing factor of this location was the presence of water fed by a spring. The disadvantage of this location was its location in the foothills. From this position of vulnerability, invading armies had the advantage.

David wrote Psalm 121 from the city of David. Imagine him sitting on the porch of his palace, or perhaps on the roof, looking UP at the mountains that surrounded him. Considering his position of vulnerability against invading armies, he penned these words:

I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Psalm 121

Yesterday I closed with the question: where does your help come from? I would like to ask you that again. Where does your help come from? It isn’t from the systems of the world or from cleverly devised plans. Your help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot stumble.

Will you let him help you today?