Rest and Reset: A 30-Day Devotional to Revive JoySample

Look to the hills for help.

The thread of joy we experience in life is directly connected to the source we turn to for help in every situation. In Psalm 121, David needed assistance. In this song of ascent, David proclaimed, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” The imagery of David lifting his eyes to gaze at the hills or mountains, as if to say he is turning his focus toward the heavens, has always fascinated me. David had failed many times throughout his journey, and he recognized that the only sure way to stay within the ecosystem of his redemption was to live on earth while gazing at the heavens. It was where His help resided, and His helper's eyes were on Him.

This is often a challenging concept, especially when the mundane tasks of life compete for our attention and focus. A few years after my divorce, I often took birthday trips to mountainous states to experience the beauty and calmness of their scenery. There was something so majestic and divine that reminded me of God’s faithfulness. Just above the peak, you would see the clouds, and these verses, like a healing balm, would replay in my heart. "Lift up your head, surrender your heart and its brokenness, trust in God’s purpose forward, and your joy will be sustained." The milestones, the transition, and the grief connected to the outcome would often cause me to hang my head low in shame and worthlessness. But then, I would think about those hills, which have weathered every storm under the watchful eye of an all-powerful God, and I was strengthened.

David was confident that God would not allow his foot to slip into the depths of hopelessness as long as he looked to the Lord. When you are tasked to rest at night, with a broken heart, unanswered prayers, or the joy of new beginnings, the Lord is awake. He keeps us safe, even during times of trouble.

The Lord will preserve you through the trial and see you through it, but you must let go and look up. Where have you directed your attention? Have you turned to other resources for help and strength instead of God? What about your counsel—are you listening to godly, biblical advice or caught in the chaos of this world’s way? If it’s the latter, then the thread that leads to true joy is tainted and tangled. You need to renew your mind, refocus, and trust in viewing the Lord as your ultimate source and hope. Your joy depends on it. The Lord promised to watch over you as you look to Him.

I encouraged you to look to the hills, the Lord, today and every day from now on, for in them lies sustenance of joy.

Be encouraged.