DEAR GOD: I Lift My Eyes To You – Where My Help Comes~

The cross of God in the rays of the sun. Cross on the hill. Religious ...

 

Psalm 121 (KJV) – I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help!

 


When we take time to really absorb that verse from Psalm 121 and truly digest the meaning – we will begin to form a deeper connection and growth in the LORD.  This verse has always been a favorite of mine, but never more significant than the last several months in my life. So many things have transpired in a seemingly endless loop of events – that surrounded family, friends, and acquaintances – and in the world itself- that made me stop and think about that verse in a more profound fashion.

Knowing that our LORD is there seeing all, hearing all, and also “feeling” alongside you the pain, anguish, and the joy and triumphant celebrations – brings an immediate sense of relief and comfort that embraces the soul warmly and distinctly.

Being a follower and a Christian is a pathway that others who don’t have a relationship with God can’t begin to understand. They may sense it, or see it on those who have intimate relationships with the LORD, but alas, they can’t experience it first hand like those of us who do.

It can be tough staying on a path which leads to God at times.  But the resilience and the fortitude needed are given to us readily through His Spirit, and His guidance and His strength to endure and press forward and onward, to finishing this race He has set us on.

I cannot fully begin to understand how others who don’t know Him can even “exist” in this world of chaos and evil in epic proportions.  We have the ability to withstand forces that come against us in the spiritual realm, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, who has given us authority to do so.  It is through Him and Him alone that we can shake off the evil grip of the enemy, and sashay into His light and love.  We have confidence that we are able to fine tune the “static” of the evil one…seemingly effortless with Christ. Amen!

Today as you go forward – bow down and give extra special thanks and praise to the only ONE worthy and the only ONE capable of such magnificence, both big and small. To the One who gave it all for US!  

For those who are reading this and haven’t fully accepted the LORD as Savior – or want to know Him further, I pray that you will delve into the Word, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior- and then you will begin to see and feel what those of us who have been born of the Spirit are all about.  And then you too will begin to reap the rewards and benefits of being a part of His family – a big royal and united family- of the One who will never leave us or forsake us.

“Father, LORD – thank You for being faithful to us, and for caring so much You gave Your life for us so that we may live forever, we look to You for all things, and to You we surrender All things, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV) “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

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DEAR GOD: You Are Our Strength & Shield~

Shield of Faith Plaque

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” — Psalm 28:7


 The love and strength of God are unwavering, immovable, and eternal. Psalm 28:7 encapsulates a profound truth—God is not only a source of power, but He is also our protector, defender, and encourager in times of distress. When David wrote this psalm, he was likely reflecting on moments of deep hardship, seeking refuge in the Lord amidst trials. He did not speak of strength as something that belonged to him but as something found entirely in God.


The Shield of Protection

Scripture frequently likens God to a shield—this means He does not simply assist us in our battles, but He actively guards us from harm. Psalm 91:4 reminds us that “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.” In life, temptations, doubts, and attacks from the enemy may arise, but God’s truth shields us from destruction. It is not our own strength that preserves us; rather, it is the divine power of God that sustains us through every storm.


Strength Through Trust

David speaks of trusting in God—what does that truly mean? Trusting in Him is not merely acknowledging His presence but fully surrendering the burdens of life into His care. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” The moment we shift our reliance away from human wisdom and onto divine wisdom, we find strength beyond what we can ever attain on our own.


  Reflections

  1. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Second Corinthians 12:9 teaches us that His grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we humble ourselves before Him, He lifts us up.
  2. Love and strength go hand in hand. A loving father strengthens his children not to overpower them, but to protect them. God’s strength exists to guide us, shield us, and uphold us.
  3. Rejoicing comes after deliverance. David declares that because he trusted in God and was helped, his heart rejoiced. Joy is the product of trusting the Lord even in hardship.
  4. Being a Christian means leaning fully on God. A strong Christian knows that their strength is in God, not themselves. Humility and surrender are the foundations of spiritual victory.
  5. Kindness and faith reflect His strength. The strongest believers exhibit kindness, patience, and unwavering faith. Strength is not pride or dominance; it is gentle perseverance, unwavering conviction, and humility before God.

Reflective Questions

  • Where do I place my trust? Is it in my own strength, or do I fully rely on God?
  • What shields do I try to build myself, instead of resting in the protective hand of the Lord?
  • Do I recognize the moments when God has helped me, and do I give Him the praise He deserves?
  • How can I show God’s love and strength in my daily interactions with others?

 

  1. Develop a consistent prayer life. Speak with God daily, not only in times of distress, but in times of peace as well.
  2. Meditate on Scripture. Strength comes from knowing the Word of God and living by it.
  3. Practice humility. A strong believer knows that strength is found in surrendering pride.
  4. Show love to others. First John 4:7 teaches that those who love others are born of God.
  5. Trust and have faith in God’s plan. Walking by faith and not by sight ensures we remain steady even when circumstances seem uncertain.
  6. Live with integrity. Honesty, grace, and moral uprightness are marks of a strong Christian.
  7. Forgive as God forgives. Strength is not in holding grudges, but in releasing them.
  8. Serve others with a grateful heart. Service is an act of worship and reflects God’s love.
  9. Remain steadfast in trials. Hardships test faith, but God’s strength sustains us through every battle.
  10. Praise God through every season. Whether in difficulty or in abundance, never cease to worship the Lord.

Prayer

“Father, You are my shield, my fortress, and my ever-present help in times of trouble. Thank You for Your strength that upholds me when I am weak, for Your love that carries me through every storm. Teach me to lean fully upon You, to trust You in all circumstances, and to rejoice in Your faithfulness. Let my life be a testament to Your unshakable love and power. Strengthen my heart, refine my faith, and mold me into the person You have called me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”


Meditative Thought for the Day

True strength is found not in human might, but in surrendering to God’s love and trusting in His unfailing power.

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Help

41 Bible Verses About Help From God - The Graceful Chapter

God You Are Our Help

 

1.Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. 2.Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. 3.But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4.I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5.I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. 6.I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.7.Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8.Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah –                                   

Psalm 3:1-8 (KJV)


Heartfelt Commentary

Psalm 3 is a powerful testament to God’s unwavering protection and the deep faith that King David had in His divine care. This psalm is traditionally believed to have been written by David during the time he fled from his son Absalom, who had rebelled against him. Despite the immense pressure and the numerous enemies surrounding him, David’s faith in God remains unshaken.


Verses 1-2: A Cry for Help

David begins by acknowledging the overwhelming number of adversaries rising against him. These enemies doubt God’s ability to save him, but David’s plea reflects his deep distress and yet his unwavering belief in God’s deliverance.

  • Supporting Scripture: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” (Psalm 18:6)

Verses 3-4: God as Protector

David proclaims God as his shield, his glory, and the lifter of his head. Despite the circumstances, he has complete trust in God’s protection and sustenance. He cries out to the Lord, who answers him from His holy hill, signifying God’s readiness to hear and respond to His people.

  • Supporting Scripture: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

Verses 5-6: Peace Amidst Turmoil

David speaks of the peace he experiences even in the face of great danger. He is able to lie down and sleep, waking again because the Lord sustains him. His fearlessness in the face of overwhelming odds is a testament to his deep faith in God’s protection.

  • Supporting Scripture: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

Verses 7-8: Assurance of Salvation

David calls upon the Lord to arise and deliver him, expressing confidence in God’s ability to defeat his enemies. He ends the psalm with a declaration that salvation belongs to the Lord and a blessing upon His people.

  • Supporting Scripture: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Moral Takeaways

  1. Trust in God’s Protection: Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, trusting in God’s protection can bring peace and confidence.
  2. Persistent Prayer: Like David, we should continuously cry out to God, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers.
  3. Fearlessness Through Faith: Faith in God’s ability to save us removes fear, no matter the circumstances.

Reflective Questions

  1. How do I respond to overwhelming challenges in my life? Do I turn to God in prayer?
  2. What are the “enemies” in my life that make me feel besieged? How can I trust God more to protect me against them?
  3. In what ways can I experience and cultivate peace, even amidst turmoil?

Biblical Views Then and Now

In David’s time, the concept of God as a shield and protector was rooted in the tangible realities of battles and wars. Today, while the context may differ, the metaphor remains powerful. We face spiritual, emotional, and mental battles, and the assurance of God’s protection continues to offer profound comfort and strength.


Serving God with Love and Honor

Serving God means placing our complete trust in Him, just as David did. It means acknowledging His presence in our lives, seeking His guidance in times of trouble, and resting in the peace that only He can provide. Our service to God is not just in our actions, but also in our faith and reliance on Him.


Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our shield and protector. Help us to trust in You completely, even when we face overwhelming challenges. Lift our heads and sustain us with Your peace. Guide us to serve You with faith and love, and to find strength in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.


Scripture to Ponder

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

May this reflection on Psalm 3 deepen your faith and bring you closer to the heart of God, knowing that He is always with you, protecting and guiding you.

God Bless You All~