Words of Reflection
Psalm 121 may not be a text we traditionally associate with Advent, but in keeping with the theme of waiting and anticipation, it is one that fits perfectly. Advent is all about the coming of hope, and during these weeks we remind ourselves that for many generations that hope seemed a distant thing.
And yet even when it seemed distant, the people of Israel were reminded in texts like this one that hope was not absent. They were also reminded that the hope they longed for had one source and one source alone: God.
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (v. 2)
When we are desperate for hope, we can fall prey to the temptation to seek it in places it can’t truly be found. Temporary pleasures, earthly powers, wealth, and other false sources of hope can present themselves to us with promises they are completely unable to keep, but which seem appealing when the promises of God seem far off.
When we face our own seasons of waiting, we do well to remember the Hebrews who looked for the hope that was yet to come. They looked to the hills of Jerusalem and were reminded that God watches over all their comings and goings, and that he neither slumbers or sleeps as he keeps guard over his people. During Advent our eyes are drawn to other hills as well—the hill country of Judea, where the village of Bethlehem will give testimony to God’s provision and hope in the most unbelievable way. The birth of the Christ child is the ultimate expression of the truth that “our help comes from God” Can we hold to that hope, even when in the midst of seemingly hopeless times?
Scripture for Meditation:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.”
—Psalm 121 (NRSVUE)
Song: Lift My Eyes (lyrics here)
Questions for Contemplation:
How has God brought hope to you in difficult times? Spend some time in prayerful thanksgiving for his faithfulness and the ways his love has kept your heart at peace.
When hope seems far away, what false sources can sometimes divert your gaze from God and his promises? What tools, practices, and disciplines might help you keep your head lifted and your eyes on him when those temptations come?
Spend some time sitting with these Scriptural descriptions of God used by Laura Story in her song. Which speak to you most right now? Why?
—Our help
—Our maker and creator
—Our sustainer
—Our protector
—Our defender
—Our saviour
—Our rescuer
—Our Lord and God
—The One whose promise is forever