Looking to the Hills

Scripture: Psalm 121

Song: O Worship The King

A young Jewish boy, just barely a teen was taken from his family by an invading army never to see them again. He was marched off with other prisoners of war, young intellectuals, whose genius the enemy would exploit in order to strengthen their political and military machine. The boy was taken to a foreign land with an alien language and culture. His talents and acumen were harnessed by a nation that became the eventual destroyers of his own people. The boy’s name was Daniel.

Dozens of like stories could be told about men of faith in the Bible who endured sore trials for the sake of righteousness. Daniel became a prophet. But he was just an orphan when we first read about him in the book that bears his name. There was nothing miraculous about his captivity. There was no romance in his imprisonment, no glamour in being taken from his family and used by the enemy. He was just a boy. An orphan. But a believer.

How did he do it? Whence came his help? He looked to the hills. Three times a day he opened his window toward the West, toward the hills of Judea, and prayed to Jehovah. His help came from the Lord. Not just when he was aged, but when he was a teen separated from his family. The Lord gave no immediate relief. Daniel lived his life as a captive. He endured perils. But the Lord preserved him.

Look to the hills from whence comes our help.

Jason Moore