by Katie Reid

I lift my eyes toward the mountains.

Where will my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB)

 It can be difficult for strong, capable women to ask for help. Maybe you feel embarrassed or weak or like you have failed when you ask for help? But what if asking for help is actually a sign of great wisdom, strength, and humility (instead of humiliation)?

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible because it reminds us where our help comes from—God: Creator of heaven and earth (vs. 1-2). It can be tempting to be driven by lengthy to-do lists, relying on own ability to muscle through the day, instead of keeping our eyes on the One who formed us and flung the stars into space. Our very breath comes from God. Any strength, talent, and good thing we have is a result of His divine design and mercy. As we lift our eyes to Him throughout the day, we are reminded of His character and willingness to help us with whatever we are facing.

Our help comes from the One who is always available to us, never tires, and knows the way we should go.

Psalm 121 also talks about God being our Protector (vs. 3-8) and how He does not sleep on the job as He watches over us. It brings such comfort, knowing that He is the Guardian and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).

Is there a fearful situation in your life that God is asking you to entrust to Him?

I’m getting ready to launch my oldest child into the world and I am thankful that God is not only my Protector, but hers. I am reminded of Moses’ mother who obediently placed her son in a basket in the Nile River in order to keep him from destruction (Exodus 2:1-10). In order to do that, she had to deeply trust God to protect her precious child in the dangerous waters. Her help—supernatural strength to boldly obey—came from the Maker of heaven and earth, who created her child and the Nile.

Psalm 121 also talks about God being our Shelter (vs. 5). Is there an area in your life where you feel vulnerable and exposed? Are you in a place where you need God to shelter you in the midst of a fiery circumstance? Verse 6 says, “the sun will not strike you by day or the moon by night.” Even if you find yourself on the mountain or in the valley, in the light or in the darkness, in the midst of success or failure, God is available to shelter you from that which is intended to harm you. Psalm 91:4-5 (NIV) says, He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.

God is your Helper, Protector and Shelter. When you bravely ask for God’s help to guide you, His protection to guard you, and His shelter to hide you, you demonstrate great wisdom, strength, and humility. The Creator of heaven and earth, and you, delights to provide what you need. He is the God who helps you.

Katie M. Reid inspires others to live out their God-given purpose with tenacity and grace, as they stand on truth and walk in freedom. She is a dynamic speaker and the author of the book and Bible Study, Made Like Martha, and the novel, A Very Bavarian Christmas (which is becoming a movie). She is the co-host of The Martha + Mary Show podcast, a worship leader and singer/songwriter. She has published articles on Focus on the Family, P31, (in)courage, and has a Bible Reading plan on YouVersion. She lives in the middle of Michigan with her handsome hubby and five lively children and is a fan of musicals and cut-to-the-chase conversations over tea. Connect with Katie on her website: katiemreid.com.