Bible Study: Lifting Your Eyes to the Hills

Bible Study: “Lifting Our Eyes to the Hills”
Verse: Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV)
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Objective:

To understand the importance of trusting God as our ultimate source of help and strength in all circumstances.

Opening Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge and strength. Open our hearts and minds to Your Word today, and help us to trust in You completely as our source of help and hope. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. Context and Background

Authorship: Psalm 121 is a “Song of Ascents,” often sung by pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, a city surrounded by hills.
Imagery of the Hills: In ancient times, hills could symbolize both places of danger (bandits or wild animals) and places of safety (fortresses). The psalmist acknowledges that true help doesn’t come from the physical hills but from the Creator of heaven and earth.

2. Key Themes

A. The Need for Help

Discussion Question: Why do we often seek help in times of trouble, and where do we typically look for it?
Reflection: In life, we face challenges that are beyond our control. The psalmist begins by recognizing his need for help and then redirects his focus to God as the source of that help.
Application: Acknowledge areas in your life where you need help. Are you looking to God or relying on your own strength?

B. God as Our Helper

Verse Insight: “My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
Key Point: The Creator of the universe is also deeply invested in our personal struggles. He is not distant but actively provides guidance, strength, and protection.
Supporting Scriptures:
Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Application: Trusting God means placing our confidence in His ability to handle situations beyond our control.

C. Looking Up with Faith

The Act of Lifting Our Eyes:
Lifting our eyes signifies a deliberate shift in focus—from the problems around us to God above us.
The psalmist models faith by confidently declaring where his help comes from.
Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 12:2 – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Activity: Take a moment of quiet reflection to “lift your eyes” to God. Pray about something you’ve been struggling with, and ask Him to intervene.

3. Living Out the Message

Practical Steps:

Recognize Your Need: Be honest with God about your struggles and fears.
Redirect Your Focus: Instead of fixating on the problem, remind yourself of God’s power and promises.
Rest in God’s Faithfulness: Trust that He will provide the help you need in His perfect timing.

Weekly Challenge:

Each day this week, take time to pray Psalm 121:1-2 aloud. Reflect on how God has been your helper in the past and trust Him for your current needs.

Closing Prayer:

Father, thank You for being our ever-present help in times of trouble. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, trusting that You are more than able to meet every need. Strengthen our faith and guide us in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Memory Verse:

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)