Psalm 121 - Keeper Of My Soul Series

PSALMS 121 - KEEPER OF MY SOUL

The citizens of Feldkirch Austria, didn’t know what to do. Napoleon’s massive army was preparing to attack. Soldiers had been spotted on the heights above the little town. A council of citizens was hastily summoned to decide whether they should try to defend themselves or display the white flag of surrender. It happened to be Easter Sunday, and the people had gathered in the local church. The pastor rose and said, "Friends, we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed. As this is the day of our Lord’s resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands. We know only our own weakness, let us trust in the power of God to defend us." The council accepted his plan and the church bells rang to begin the service. The enemy, hearing the bells, concluded that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to defend the town. Before the service ended, the enemy broke camp and left.

Are you trusting in God? We need God’s help on a daily basis. I once read an article that was "A Morning Prayer for Help." It said this, "Dear God, so far today I’ve done alright, I have not gossiped, I have not lost my temper, I have not been nasty or selfish or judgemental or over indulgent. But in a few minutes God, I’m going to get out of bed. From then on, I’m going to need all the help I can get."

Today we are continuing in our series looking at the psalms. Today I want us to look at Psalm 121. This Psalm is called a Song of Ascent. There are 15 of them – Psalm 120 to Psalm 134. Many scholars believe these psalms were sung by the worshippers as they walked the road to Jerusalem to attend the festivals. They were also songs used by the priests as they ascended the fifteen steps to minister at the Temple in Jerusalem. They are characterized by brevity – only Psalm 132 has more than ten verses. As with many songs, often there is repetition. On a whole they are cheerful, and hopeful.

Psalms 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip -- he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you -- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm -- he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

This psalm reminds us 3 things about God this morning;

1. God is our Support (1-2)

In the 80s there was a song that asked “If there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call?” Now before you shout the answer back let me tell you, the answer is not Ghostbusters. Who do you call on for help? You call on the one who is able to help you. You call on God.

God supports us. He is our helper. I saw a quote on Facebook that said, “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” Do you find it easy to ask for help or is it difficult for you? Many people have a hard time asking for help. They do not ask for help because they feel it makes them look weak or they are too proud to admit they do not have the answer. Sometimes it is because they do not want to be a burden on others, or they are just too shy. Sometimes it is because they feel they can do it themselves faster or it is just easier to figure it out on their own. How about you? What do you do when you are in need of help?

Psalms 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills -- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

You do not look around you or within you, you look up. You lift your eyes upwards and ask God first, not last.

There is the story of a church elders meeting. One particularly difficult situation was raised and the board was having trouble reaching consensus one what should be done about it. One of the elders said “perhaps we should just pray about this situation.” Another board member said, “pray about it, has it come to that already!”