When You Are Down... Look Up

Psalm 121 has always been one of my favorite Psalms. Vivid imagery paired with timeless truth makes for a beautiful journey through a powerful passage about God’s care and protection.

I really learned a lot about this passage in 2016 when I was preparing for a mission trip with my church to Brazil. This trip would take me farther from my family than I had ever gone before, there was the Zika Virus outbreak, and I was working two jobs at this time. So to say I had a lot on my mind would be an understatement. I jumped in the shower after a long day at both jobs and just let the water wash over me as I was thinking of all that was going on in my life at this time. Now I have never had panic or anxiety attacks, but that night I did. My knees were weak, shortness of breath, and I was really worried about why I was feeling this way. Then I heard a voice so audible as if it was in the room with me.

​“I’ve Got You.”

It was no booming voice like in The Ten Commandments film when Moses is given the commandments. It was just a loving whisper yet in the moment it was all I heard. Even to this day I remember that moment, hearing those words, and feeling that peace wash over me as I stood under the water bracing myself against the wall. “I’ve got you.” Three words and ALL of my doubts, fears, and worries were washed away.

We had been asked several weeks prior to the trip what our favorite Bible verse was and I had used Psalm 121:1-2 as mine just because I have been able to envision looking up to God for help. After receiving the comforting words that late night I decided I would go back and reread the passage and I found some more great words of comfort.

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.

The first couple of verses have always been an easy visual for me. In one of my favorite books there is a scene that is a nearly perfect mirror of what these verses are talking about. In one of the major battles we find an army that is extremely outnumbered standing against the forces of evil. They have endured the night, barely, and are strategizing on where they stand. They are in a valley stronghold backed into the corner with no way of escape or retreat. At this point when they are at their greatest moment of need they are reminded that they had allies on their way. As the remaining warriors are riding out to meet the enemy they look up to the eastern ridge and find their allies joining the fight. Their combined forces win the day.

When we are distressed, depressed, or otherwise embroiled in the personal battles we face day to day, our heads and spirits are often downcast and we feel as though there is no way out. We don’t always remember when we are in that situation, if we would just raise our heads we could see that God is there bringing victory to us. Now I will not say it is an instantaneous, fast, when we want it fix, or the fix we want but this chapter also speaks about how He will never leave us.

While we don’t face the same battles that are depicted in books, movies, and history but the idea is the same, “When you are down or need help, look up”.

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