Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Good morning, brothers and sisters.
We gather here today to delve into the comforting words of Psalms 121:1-2:
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."
Max Lucado 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." How relevant his words are in today's world! Every day, we face mountains that seem impossible to climb, but we're not alone on this journey. God is our protector, our guardian, and our helper.
Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds to experience Your love and protection in our lives. Help us to recognize Your presence and to trust in Your divine care. As we explore Your word today, guide our thoughts and discussions towards a deeper understanding of You as our protector, guardian, and helper. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let’s get started!
God, as our protector, is the assurance that despite the trials and tribulations we face, there is a divine being who watches over us, shielding us from harm and guiding us through the stormy seas of life. This idea is not just a comforting thought, but a fundamental truth that is deeply rooted in the scriptures and the experiences of countless believers throughout history.
What it entails: The protection of God is not always about preventing us from facing challenges or difficulties. Rather, it is about ensuring that we are not overwhelmed by these experiences. In the book of Isaiah 43:2, the Lord says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." This scripture beautifully illustrates the protective nature of God. It does not promise a life devoid of challenges, but assures us that in the midst of these trials, we will not be consumed.
An active engagement: It requires faith and trust in Him. As we lift our eyes to the mountains, as the Psalmist did, we are acknowledging our inability to overcome these challenges on our own. We are admitting our need for divine intervention. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of our faith in God's ability to protect and preserve us.
Extends beyond the physical realm: He protects our hearts and minds, keeping us in perfect peace when we trust in Him. In Philippians 4:7, the Apostle Paul writes, "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace is a protective barrier against the anxieties and fears that often threaten to overwhelm us. It is a testament to God's commitment to safeguard not just our physical well-being, but our emotional and spiritual health as well.
A continuous process: In the book of Psalms 121:8, it is written, "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." This scripture underscores the enduring nature of God's protection. It is not just for the present moment, but for all the days of our lives and even into eternity.
Experiencing them in our daily lives: It is about seeing His hand of protection in the midst of our trials, feeling His peace in times of turmoil, and recognizing His constant presence with us, both now and forevermore.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when God protected you during a difficult time. How did this affect your life and your faith?
God as our Guardian is the belief that God watches over us, guards us from harm, and guides us through the trials and tribulations of life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO