The sermon titled "Help from the LORD" by Rowland Wheatley addresses the theological aspect of divine help as portrayed in Psalm 121 and Psalm 146. The preacher emphasizes that true help comes solely from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, underscoring the personal nature of this assistance with the repeated phrase “my help cometh from the Lord.” Wheatley articulates several key points regarding the source, foundation, means, and nature of divine help, affirming that God's assistance is rooted in His covenant love and grace towards His people. Scripture references such as Psalm 121:2, 3, and Hebrews highlight the importance of God's vigilance in keeping His people safe and secure, contrasting the slumber of human guardians with God's unwavering watchfulness. The sermon ultimately highlights the practical and pastoral significance of relying on the Lord for both spiritual and physical preservation in a world filled with trials and dangers.
Key Quotes
“My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”
“This is a personal testimony. And we each need to have a personal faith, a personal testimony, and be held personally.”
“When we realize our sinnership, realize our helplessness, the Lord said, without me you can do nothing.”
“The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth and even forevermore.”
The Bible states in Psalm 121:2 that our help comes from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 emphasizes that true help comes solely from the Lord, who created both heaven and earth. This declaration by the psalmist reflects a profound trust in God's ability to preserve and protect His people. The psalm focuses particularly on God as our keeper, illustrating His commitment to watching over us constantly, without slumber. It serves as a reminder for believers that no matter the trials faced, our ultimate reliance must be on the divine help offered by our faithful Creator.
Psalm 121:2
We know God helps us through His promises and the evidence of His guidance in our lives.
God's assistance is evident through how He intervenes in our lives, especially in moments of need. Believers are encouraged to recognize the everyday blessings as manifestations of God's help. Looking back on personal experiences, like unanswered prayers that have led to specific answers, can establish a clearer understanding of God's providence. Moreover, Scriptures remind us of God's omnipotence, teaching that nothing is impossible for Him, and His faithfulness in keeping His promises gives us assurance of His help in our lives.
Philippians 4:19, Psalm 37:23, Romans 8:28
Prayer is important because it opens the channel for communication with God, allowing us to seek His help and guidance.
Prayer serves as a vital means through which believers express their dependence on God for help. It is not a sign of doubt but an essential act of faith, as we are encouraged to present our requests to Him. Biblical examples, such as Elijah praying for rain after a divine promise and Abraham's servant seeking a godly wife through simple prayer, illustrate how God responds to earnest prayers. This divine communication affirms our relationship with God, inviting Him to act in our lives and demonstrating our reliance on Him for guidance and support.
Ezekiel 36:37, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
God being our keeper means He actively protects and preserves us in both our daily lives and spiritually.
The concept of God as our keeper underscores His safeguarding presence in the lives of His people. This notion is powerfully reflected in Psalm 121, highlighting that He will not allow our foot to be moved and that His vigilance never diminishes, for He neither slumbers nor sleeps. As believers, we can find peace knowing that our steps are ordered by the Lord and that He oversees every aspect of our lives. This divine guardianship extends beyond physical provision; it also encompasses spiritual protection from evil and guidance towards righteousness.
Psalm 121:3-4, 1 Peter 1:5, Psalm 37:23
We trust in God's help because of His proven faithfulness and His sovereign power over creation.
The trust placed in God's help is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and displayed through historical narratives showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness. He is presented as the Creator of heaven and earth, which affirms His authority and capability to assist His people. The assurance that God helps is not merely philosophical; it is grounded in the reality of His covenants and the evidence of His providence throughout Scripture. Such trust brings comfort and confidence that in times of need, God will faithfully intervene in our lives, demonstrating that we are never left to navigate challenges alone.
Psalm 121:2, Lamentations 3:22-23, Hebrews 13:5-6
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