Reflections
February 20, 2011
The poet Maya Angelou says of life, "Nobody, but nobody gets through without help." Think of it, from the time we are born people are around us. Teaching, nurturing, protecting and nudging. As we mature, part of the natural response within us is to return those helps.
Psalm 121 opens with the line "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come?" The question is asked and answered by the writer. All Holy help comes from God alone. This was an important statement because at the time monotheism was new and communities often had many gods including a variety of household gods for protection and guidance. The Psalmist is saying only one God is necessary, because one God creates, guides, protects and helps all.
To look at an ancient text like this is sometimes difficult for modern thinkers. After all, we are independent, self reliant individuals. With a global positioning satellite, a portable laptop computer and a cellphone we can do just about anything. So the notion of taking time in contemplative thought to consider how blessed we are might seem unusual. yet, that is precisely what the psalmist is saying. That in a world of transiency, God is constant, reliable, available, creative, and creating.
To complete the idea of the poet, we would then be called to live life in the name of justice, healing, hope, and peace. For when the help of God finds a home in the human heart, Holy things happen.
Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601
