HANG ON, HELP IS COMING! Psalms 121:1-8

Intro: The superscription to this Psalm tells us that it is a "Song of Degrees."

That is, this is a Psalm that worshipers would sing as they made their way to Jerusalem to participate in the three great annual feasts; Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. With that in mind, it is plain to see that this is a pilgrim's song. It tells of the dangers of the journey, and of the help God provides along the way. Verse 1 is not a declaration of hope, but rather, it is a cry of despair. The Psalmist is telling us that danger is lurking in the hills above and is waiting for an opportunity to pounce upon the weary traveler.

I. V. 2-4 THE SOURCE OF OUR HELP

A.     V. 2 He Is Our Creator - The idea is this, "If God can make this world, then surely, He has the power to take care of me!" What a truth!

·         He is able to help you and me - Eph. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

B.     V. 3 He Is Our Confirmer - This verse tells us that the Lord will not allow our foot to "slip." God knows how easy it is for us to slip into sin and into discouragement.

·         Yet, we must remember that He is ever with us and has promised to sustain us with his presence and His power, Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

C. V. 3b-4 He Is Our Constant Helper - Not only does the Lord know that it is easy for us to slip, He also knows that it is easy for us to sleep. He doesn't weary, He doesn't tire and He doesn't fall asleep at the switch. God is ever awake and is constantly on the job.

II. V. 5-6 THE STRENGTH OF OUR HELP

A. V. 5 He Protects Us From Our Enemies -God takes up a defensive position to protect us where we are most vulnerable.

B. V. 6 He Protects Us From The Elements - In this verses, the Psalmist speaks of two possible sources of harm that were common to the ancient soldier: sunstroke, and moonstroke. Moonstroke, unlike sunstroke, did not affect the body, but the mind.  In ancient times, mental illness was thought to be caused by the moon. This is where we get the word—LUNAR-- "lunatic" to refer to someone who has a mental disturbance.

·         The whole idea is this, while we are subject to attack in our lives. We are also subject to attacks in our bodies and in our minds. However, just as God will guard us against the attack of the enemy from the outside, He will guard us from the attack on the inside as well.

III. V. 7-8 THE SECURITY OF OUR HELP

A-V. 7 We Are Preserved From Evil - These bodies are much like volcanos. At any moment, the sin that is pent up in us can burst forth and commit any sin imaginable!

o       This flesh which we carry around is utterly depraved Romans 7:18-- For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

o       How can we ever hope to live for God? The answer lies in the Holy Spirit. When He comes, He comes with all the resources necessary to overcome temptation and to say no to sin – 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

B-V. 8 We Are Preserved For Eternity - In this verse, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord will keep us while we are here,

o        2 Pet. 3:7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

o        And, that He will continue this ministry throughout eternity! Ours is a priceless, endless guarantee. In Jesus, we are preserved forever!

Conclusion : I am grateful this evening that I have these promises for my journey. What about you? I am glad that I do not have to look to this ever changing for my help and for my security. There is a great God in heaven who is interested in everything that happens in my life. My burdens are His burdens, my problems are His problems, my worries are His worries. My duty is to trust Him, and His duty is to take care of me. He is always performing His duty! Am I performing mine? If so, then come to Him and let Him meet the need you have.