Where does my help come from?

​Where does my help come from?

Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

From a reliance perspective.
Much like the Psalmist above, some Christians ask themselves where does my help come from?
On a negative and selfish note, some ask themselves where does my praise come from?
Some Christians are involved in ministry for the praise of men...for climbing up the ladder...for recognition within their circles...for a personal title…for the accolades…for self-reliant and self-ambitious purposes.
Some on the other hand realize the sacred trust God’s given them and are humbled by the opportunity to be able to be His messenger/ambassador, thus keeping the focus on trying to please the Lord and completely relying on Him for whatever it may be in their time of need.
May we recognize early and always that our help comes from the Lord, and that all praise ought to be directed to Him...that's what makes for an enjoyable and genuinely thriving ministry! Rely on Him alone. To the Praise of His Glory! (Ephesians 1:12).

When it comes to true and all-in reliance, one author points out that, “When you learn to depend on God for everything, what you’re really doing is releasing control of your life and handing the steering wheel over to Jesus. When your dependence lies in the one who is master of all, even through situations where everything seems to be going wrong, you will be able to run to your Abba Father and rest all of your cares upon Him, knowing with full faith that He is going to take care of you…Learning to depend on God, means learning to fully trust in Him to supply all of your needs. By doing so, you are following Jesus’ example, who trusted in His father and did all things according to His will.
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Prayer for Today: Dear Heavenly Father, Give me the strength to depend on you at all times. I know that you will never let me down. Even in tough times help me to see that you are still working. Give me…eyes of faith to hope for better things to come OH Lord. Thank you for being ever-present in my life. Amen." Link to this Full Devotional...5 Practical Ways to Really Depend on God

Do some self-examination this morning…
Who do I rely upon and recognize as the source of my help? Self, others, or the Lord?
Who has typically been the recipient or focal point of all praise during my efforts?
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Below are some passages referencing God-reliance vs. self-reliance:
John 12:42-43 (NIV) Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
John 7:18 (ESV) The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.
Psalm 30:10 (NKJV) Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me; LORD, be my helper!”
Hebrews 13:6a (NIV) So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper…
Psalm 54:4a (ESV) Behold, God is my helper

Where does your help come from? Do you really think the Lord is going to assist you in your self-promoting efforts?
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Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
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Songs:

• My Help Comes From the Lord by The Museum
• Help is on the Way by TobyMac
  • Story Behind the song Help is on the Way

Practicing His Presence,
Nate