I Lift My Eyes to the Hills - Psalm 121
This illustration is inspired by Psalm 121 and the declaration: “I 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.” This Psalm is one of the Songs of Ascents, sung by those journeying toward Jerusalem, often while travelling through uncertain and rugged terrain.
Psalm 121 reflects the reality of pilgrimage — a journey marked by both beauty and danger, where the traveller must continually look upward for direction and assurance. The “hills” represent both the physical ascent toward Jerusalem and the awareness of surrounding challenges along the way. Yet the Psalm immediately redirects the gaze: help does not come from the landscape itself, but from the Creator who formed it.
In this painting, elevated landscapes and upward movement reflect the journey of ascent, while guiding light breaking across the horizon symbolises divine protection and watchful care.
The composition suggests both motion and safety — the path of those who travel under the constant attention of the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
The imagery also reflects the covenant promise of God’s protection over His people. He watches over every step, every arrival, and every departure. His presence is not distant, but constant — guarding, sustaining, and preserving through every stage of the journey.
