Where Does My Help Come From?

I lift up my eyes to the mountains –

where does my help come from?

My help come from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

This verse has been my go to over the past couple of months. There are many obstacles that can get in the way with life in general, but especially with planning a two week mission trip. The cost, the time off, what to do with the kids, the not completely knowing what God will call you to do while you’re there…the list could go on. And while I went over this list, I also knew God was my help. If he was truly calling me to go and serve, and if I fully trusted in his provision, he’d help me overcome the obstacles that I saw as mountains. I’d have to look to him and not what I thought would stand in my way. My full reliance had to be in him, and anything short of that wouldn’t do.

Placing my complete trust and faith in him allowed him to overwhelm me with his provision, and I’m stronger because of that. I was stretched because of that. I felt his peace because of that.

I’m not someone that raises their hand first to pray out loud or to share from the Bible, but I had the opportunity to do both on this trip. While we were in the village in Mhondoro, we did several home visits. There’s not a feeling that compares to the absolute joy I felt during those visits. To be invited in, to share a time of prayer and praise, and to meet so many faithful loving joyful people…that will stick with me forever. It was during one of these visits that I was able to share Psalm 121 and explain what it means to me. As nervous as I was to share, it felt great to talk about a God that loves us more than anything…a God that will always be our help in times of trouble…a a God that desires to show up when we put our trust in him.

I am forever changed because of this experience, and I am forever grateful.

Lauren Durrence