Jehovah-ezer: The Lord my Helper
- Series: Names of God
- by: Jennie Hatchel 05/20/08
I will lift up my eyes to the hills---where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
I heard him screaming. Once again my enraged neighbor was taking out his frustration and anger on our family. Last time he had thrown a softball-sized rock through the back windshield of a car in our driveway. Another time he threatened my husband and a friend with a metal rod and a knife. What would he do this time?
He continued screaming. I heard him say (among a few words that I hadn't heard at church) that he was coming in to get me. Then, I heard more than screaming. I heard banging and rattling. Looking from the upstairs window, I could see this powerful man pulling on the metal gate that protected our house. I knew the gate wouldn't hold him for long. Even though I thought it was locked, I knew that it frequently malfunctioned. I could sometimes push it open with my hip. And this man is three times bigger than me and much stronger.
On other occasions when he had disturbed us, my husband had dealt with him, another neighbor had talked to him, or a friend had been around. This day I was at home. Alone. With our four preschoolers. I knew I needed help. My mind raced. My heart pounded. Who could I call? Was there a friend or neighbor close by who could come protect us, intervene or even watch my children so I could talk to him? My husband was out of town. The street was empty of all other neighbors. Colleagues and other friends were too far away to get to us in time to help. Where would my help come from?
I will lift up my eyes to the hills---where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
No neighbors came, no friends were able to rescue us, but our Heavenly Father saw. He heard my prayer and intervened. The Lord kept us from harm. The man left and didn't bother us again that day.
Difficult times will come. You've been through many already. Where did you look for help? Were you like me, thinking of friends or relatives who could come to your rescue?
In that same chapter, verse 5 reminds us that the Lord watches over us. Our troubles don't catch Him by surprise. The Message says, "God's your Guardian, right at your side to protect you-". God is our "Keeper" (NKJV). He guards us and protects us. God promises to protect, defend and guard us from evil.
Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." May it be true of us, "Some trust in gates and some in locks, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God."
PRAYER: Lord, You have been a refuge for those in need and a shelter from the storm (Isaiah 25:4) Help us to seek Your shelter when we are in need. You've promised that when we call, You will come (James 4:8). Thank You for being our Protector, our Keeper, our Defender, our Guardian.