My Help Comes From The Lord

MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

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.

Help doesn’t always come in the way we anticipate. Sometimes it appears out of nowhere, without us even asking. Sometimes it seems delayed. Sometimes it comes by way of a person we never expected. Sometimes we even turn down help because it comes in a manner we didn’t plan on or foresee. How might our lives be shaped if we truly embraced the promises in this psalm and always had our hearts open to receiving help in whatever way God chose to send it?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• What are you currently facing that seems overwhelming? What help do you need? Ask God to provide it.
• Who has God used in your life to bring help in difficult circumstances? Who do you sense him prompting you to help, and how?

Lord, my help comes from you. You will not let my foot slip. You watch over me and do not slumber. I am hidden in your shadow, protected and kept from harm. I know that my perspective is smaller than yours, so open my eyes to the aid you send, and give me the wisdom to receive it—in whatever way you choose to send it. Use me to bring help to those who need it. Thank you for your ever-present help. Amen.