The Psalmist begins, “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” (verses 1, 2). People who live near high hills and mountains know how majestic they often appear. Certainly if God can make these enormous hills and mountains and all the earth, He has power to care for His people.

The hills reminded the Israelites of something else. When they were threatened by an invading army and the people needed to find safety, they would run into the hills. The war chariots could not follow. So, the Psalmist reminds believers that as they approach their loving God in faith they will find a place of safety. It is even more inviting when we consider that the temple was on a hill in Jerusalem. At the temple the people could hear God’s Word of forgiveness and love and offer their sacrifices. There they could find a shelter from temptation and from the power of sin as they worshiped the true God.

Hills also provided shepherds a refreshing place to feed their flocks. What a beautiful picture the Psalm gives of the Lord who shepherds His people along the journey of life. “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 ” (verses 3, 4). God needs no rest. He watches over and guides his people twenty-four hours every day. He protects His people from all dangers in the night or in the day. He will not disappoint them. Like sheep, believers may not always realize the dangerous situations that surround them. They may not always watch and pray as they should. However, God is always watching His people and is prepared to help them more than they can know or imagine.

The top of a hill makes a much better vantage point than the lowland or valley. God sees all things. He knows how the devil and the world will seek to harm His people. However, He will not allow evil to triumph, because the ultimate victory over evil has been accomplished by Jesus. “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” (verse 7-8). God has sheltered the believer’s life from beginning to end. He has sent His angels to keep him in all His ways. According to His purpose God works all things for good to those who love Him.

Not everyone lives near tall hills. Nor is there a temple in Jerusalem to visit as there was at the Psalmist’s time. But, we can think of this Psalm as we enter our churches for worship. There, through the Bible, we can figuratively walk up the hill of Mt. Calvary. We can see the Savior lifted up on a cross with His hands extended in blessing. When we confess our sins, we are coming to that hill for Jesus’ forgiveness. When we feel attacked by evil or burdened with life’s problems, we listen to God’s Word in worship and find a Savior who provides spiritual safety and rest. Our churches may not all be built on hills, yet in God’s house His Word will provide strength to help us in our times of need.

So, look to the hills that God has made and remember that our help comes from the Lord.

Kenneth Mellon is pastor of Abiding Word Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Ohio.