Where Do You Go for Help?

 

Superman! Can you hear me? Superman! Where are you? 

- President of the United States (Superman, the movie, 1980)

The President of the United States, along with other world leaders, were facing the threat of losing millions of lives at the hands of General Zod. The scene is from the 1980 film, "Superman." In a desperate plea on national television, the President called for help, “Superman! Can you hear me? Superman! Where are you...?” (Image from Reddit)

The fictional movie portrays what all of us do when facing a crisis. After accepting the reality of our situation, we look for help from somewhere, and it usually comes from within and without. Within, is that inner strength, wisdom and perseverance that is summoned. It is that drive to push us through the trouble we are facing. Without, are those places we go beyond ourselves, where we contact friends, family, or our community (like Superman!).

In times of crisis, we often seek help everywhere, but one—God. He typically is not reached out to at all or is the last option. God invites us to live differently. Read the words from the Bible, “I lift up my eyes to the hills.” (Psalm 121:1a) The writer is referring to the city of Jerusalem, which sat upon an elevated, mountainous, hilly area. It was known as the city of God, where God lived among His chosen people. Consequently, it was always a city that people lifted their eyes up to in times of trouble.

When a resident of Jerusalem or of Israel was far away, he always knew what direction Jerusalem was. It was something he could see, without seeing. And when he would set his face toward Jerusalem, desire for it grew and inspired hope no matter the crisis.

Did aide and protection come through a city made of brick and mortar by the hands of mere men? No. A city cannot travel with someone, and it only offers limited help. A city’s edifices have the potential to crumble from an earthquake or be destroyed by an enemy. This is not referring to a city, but rather, to the One who dwells within that glorious city. The Scripture says, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Ps. 121:2)

When Jesus died and rose again, no longer were people limited to access God through a single temple, in a single city. For when Christ arose, He made a way for every soul that turns from their sin and trusts in Him by faith, to be a living temple. A temple where God’s Holy Spirit would take up residence and dwell within them. Then as we walk through life, we know Almighty God lives both in heaven and ever-present within our heart. Therefore, we can lift our eyes toward the heavens, bow humbly on the ground or just walk confidently on our way, knowing that our help comes from the Savior, who made the heavens and the earth.

The Bible also questions, “From where does help come?” (Ps. 121:1B) It is communicating about the weakness within us and the things of this world. The aid, support and protection we need is limited if we rely solely upon ourselves. We are limited in knowledge, strength and morality due to our own corruption from personal sin, and the same regarding the things of this world. What should we do in challenging times? Set our eyes on the one true God, where our source of protection, wisdom and power comes from.

When you need help, where do you go? Do you trust in yourself or others? Choose to follow Christ and place all your trust in Him. He is sufficient for all your needs.

A prayer for you - Lord God, am I looking to other places for help besides you? My own knowledge and wisdom? Others? I confess my negligence in not coming to you first. I repent and turn to you. I seek you with all my heart. Change me O, God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.