Introduction

Good morning, family. We have a reassuring message for us today from Psalms 121:1-8.

Before we dive in, I'd like to share a quote from Max Lucado. He once said, "The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident." Isn't that something? There's a great comfort and assurance in knowing we're not alone in our fears, and that God is our protector.

Let's open up our Bibles and read Psalms 121:1-8 together:

"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."

Isn't that a beautiful promise we have from the Lord? Let's take a moment to pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for being our protector and comforter. We are grateful to know that You watch over us day and night, keeping us safe from harm. As we delve into Your Word today, we pray that our hearts would be receptive and that we may grow in understanding of Your love for us. Thank You for the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's dive into this message together...

God is Our Protector

The assurance that God is our Protector is a theme that is woven throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New, and it is a truth that we can hold onto in every season of life.

Verses 1-2: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." This is a profound statement of faith, recognizing that our help and protection come from the Creator of the universe. The One who spoke the stars into existence, who formed the mountains and the seas, is the same One who watches over us. He is not a distant, detached deity, but a personal, caring God who is intimately involved in our lives.

A lot to take in: When we consider the vastness of God's creation, it can be overwhelming to think that He cares for each one of us individually. Yet, that is exactly what the Bible tells us. In Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus tells His disciples, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." This passage reassures us that God's care and protection extend to every detail of our lives.

Spiritual protection: In Ephesians 6:10-17, the Apostle Paul talks about the armor of God, which includes the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. These are not physical weapons, but spiritual ones, designed to protect us from the attacks of the enemy. God equips us with these tools so that we can stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

We will face difficulties and hardships: Jesus Himself said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." What it does mean is that in the midst of those trials, we are not alone. God is with us, providing comfort, strength, and peace. He walks with us through the fire, and He carries us through the storm.

A reality we can experience in our daily lives: It's in the moments when we feel overwhelmed and afraid, when we're facing challenges that seem insurmountable, that we can turn to God and find refuge in Him. It's in those moments that we can say, like the Psalmist, "My help comes from the Lord."

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you needed protection and God showed up for you. This could also be a story about someone you know.

The Comfort of Jesus

The comfort of Jesus is the assurance that in the midst of our trials, tribulations, and fears, we have a Savior who not only understands our struggles but also provides solace and strength ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO