Help and Hope

Psalm 124: 8

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

One would almost think I chose this psalm today, but you know we have been going through them, sequentially, every Monday. One must admit, it is a psalm for our times.

I am reminded, today, that psalms are actually songs. As we think about this as music, there is a tendency, perhaps, to try to categorize the psalms generally but also this one specifically. One wouldn’t likely call it a ditty, maybe a lament instead. Would you expect this to set to a blues rhythm? Maybe you would set it to a tune like an old hymn. However you feel about this verse in your heart, you are right. Because we read them rather than hear them set to music, we can set them however seems right to the mood within us. What’s more, you can listen to the tune inside you and simply begin to sing these words. Music is a stimulating medium. It can be soothing or invigorating. These words may make you pensive, meditative. Whatever form they take within you, is just the right medicine.

I cannot imagine that anyone will look back on the year 2020 and say it was an easy year. Everything has seemed to work against us. I feel compassion for those who do not know the Lord because they do not know where their hope lies. Thus, they have little to know hope. We know where help resides. It is in our Lord and He is at your side at this very moment. You are not forgotten nor has your Father abandoned you. He has His eye upon you, and He is the answer we need in this time. No matter how things look or feel right now, He is with you and is your help and hope.

Help has a Name

Psalm 124: 8

Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

So, here we are at the base of things. The Lord, our God, created this earth we live on. As the creator and all powerful one He has the ability to help us when we need help. He created the earth and He created us and He is invested in helping us to live a good and happy life. The story of humanity, though is often the story of rebellion and independence. We don’t seem to want to rely on God to help us but, in truth, our help is in the name of the Lord. He is the only real help we have. That is such a simple proposition, let the Lord help you. Truth be told, the revelation is bigger than that. The name alone has the power to help, the power to save.

In the Old Testament the words “The Lord” referred to Yahweh whom we often call “God.” In the New Testament we call Jesus “The Lord.” God gave Jesus “a name which is above every other name” (Philippians 2: 9). He gave Jesus His own name and exalted him and that name above all things. In that name, which is also the name of God, there is exalted power and authority. The name of God has life in it and light. We know, too, that Jesus is the light and the life (John 1: 4, John 8: 12). God is in Jesus and Jesus in God. I don’t think, therefore, that you have to get bogged down in which of them is going to bring about your rescue. They are in this together with the Holy Spirit. They are three in one like we are. We are body, soul and spirit. So are they. They are together working to help you in all situations. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for you at all times. He sent the Holy Spirit here to be with us so that we are never alone. He, the Holy Spirit, is our go along. He walks beside us all day listening to what the Father and Jesus are speaking.

Our Father is God Almighty. That’s big. He sent us His son and now He has sent us His Spirit. We abide with them and they abide in us. That is front page news folks. The Father is telling us that He, who made heaven and earth, is here for us, individually. We have the power of the entire trinity working for our benefit. We have only to call out. And while I do believe in calling God by His proper name rather than this title “God” what is most important in the time of need is that you know where your help lies. It is in the creator, your Father. Call on His name and whether you call Him God, Yahweh, Jehovah, Father, Dad, Abba or something else, know that His ear is already tuned listening for you. He is your help in the time of need. Your help is in the name of the Lord God Jehovah. Just call.