How to recognize God’s help? A guide to Psalm 121

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In my childhood, there was this very small blue Bible printed by Gideon International. From that Bible, the very first psalm I learnt offhand is Psalm 121. I still remember vividly how Psalm 121 looks in that Bible because it’s a reminder of God’s help. One of the many unanswered questions on the minds of a lot of people is: How do I recognize God’s help?

Do you ever pray for help and when it comes you know it’s from God? Personally, I believe that every help received is from God. Sometimes, God doesn’t come in the way you expect (I previously wrote an article about the perils of a preconceived mindset, you can read it here).

Blue Bible I’m referring to by Gideon International

God’s help through man

While it is true that God wants to help you, there are certain principles in place. One of which entails the help coming through a man (human being). If you look at the book of 1 Kings 17:8-16, you see the story of a widow and her son. This woman and her son were about to eat their last meal and starve to death; then help came in form of Prophet Elijah. If Elijah had not come at that moment, they certainly would have died. I suggest you read this portion in the Bible, I’ve attached a link.

There are many other instances in the Bible but as I was preparing this article, 2 Kings 4:1-7 came to mind. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the sons of a widow were about to be sold off to repay the debt owed by their father. When she approached Prophet Elisha, he told her to borrow vessels which she eventually poured oil into and recovered the debt cost. I’ve attached a link to this portion, you should read it.

The purpose of sharing these portions of the Bible is to show you how these women got help. God provided the help through men.

Psalm 121: A definition of God’s help

‘I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord , Who made heaven and earth.’ Psalms 121:1-2

From this excerpt, you can see that the person doesn’t look to men or things for help but above. There’s a conscious decision that deems it to be the Lord who gives help.

‘He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.’ Psalms 121:3-4

Even when you are in the midst of a trial, God will not let anything happen to you. He doesn’t sleep on your case.

‘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.’ Psalms 121:5-6

The meaning of a keeper is one that takes charge or takes care of something or someone. God knows you your every need because He’s right by your side.

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.’ Psalms 121:7-8

This last portion reassures you that God will definitely preserve and protect you. Even as your help comes from God, every other thing will come from Him. On some days, it’s easy to forget that your help comes from God but let Psalm 121 be a constant reminder.

How to recognize God's help
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Real life experiences

When I wanted to rebrand, it was honestly a dilemma because I didn’t know what to do or how to even go about it. I prayed earnestly because I knew I didn’t have the kind of money being requested in some places. I also didn’t have the time to learn how to do it either. Somewhere along the line, my sister referred someone who came with the right specifications.

Let’s refer to the person by A; A gave me a too good to be true discount and was very courteous about it all. Honestly, I was quite worried about the discount but I prayed about it. When I did, I recognized that it was God’s help because I prayed initially for help to come my way.

I could go on and on about many more instances where God sent me and in some cases, my loved ones help. However, I’d like to help you recognize those instances in your own daily activities.

Tips to recognize God’s help

God’s help is timely: Psalm 46:1 and vs.5 speak about God as a very present help in trouble and God’s help being timely.

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.’ Psalms 46:5

In order to recognize God’s help, you know that it will come through a man. Now, you also know that it’s timely. God will not send you help after the situation has passed.

Psalm 124:1 says that if it had not been God on your side, then a lot of evil things would have occurred. God’s help will give you peace, a peace that surpasses the understanding of man.

Your help is in the name of the Lord , Who made heaven and earth.’ Psalms 124:8

If you will look to anyone for help in this year, look to God solely.

man s hand in shallow focus and grayscale photography
Photo by lalesh aldarwish on Pexels.com

Read the previous article: An unheard conversation with God

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How to recognize God’s help? A guide to Psalm 121 In my childhood, there was this very small blue Bible printed by Gideon International. From that Bible, the very first psalm I learnt offhand is Psalm 121. I still remember vividly how Psalm 121 looks in that Bible because it’s a reminder of God’s help. One of the many unanswered questions on the minds of […]
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