Psalms 121:1
The sermon emphasizes the importance of looking to God as our source of help, rather than relying on our own positive attitude or friends.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that while we often seek help from various sources, true and reliable help comes only from Jehovah, the creator of heaven and earth. He discusses the limitations of relying on a positive attitude or friends, highlighting that they can falter in times of need. Instead, he encourages believers to look to God, who is always available and capable of providing the help we need. The sermon reflects on the significance of recognizing God's omnipotence and the importance of worshiping Him rather than the creation. Ultimately, Smith reassures that God is our steadfast keeper, always ready to support us in our struggles.
Text
"MY SOURCE OF HELP"
Intro: No matter how clever or resourceful you may be, sooner or later we reach a point
where we must reach out for help.
I. WHERE DO YOU TURN FOR HELP?
A. Some turn to the mysterious power of a positive attitude.
1. The little red engine, "I think I can."
2. "They said it couldn't be done..."
3. A positive attitude is important, but it has its limitations, it is
not omnipotent.
a. You may be facing a solid brick wall.
4. There are those who would interpret this verse by saying, "just look
how strong and majestic those mountains are, now say, "I am strong
and majestic, I shall endure."
B. Some always looking to friends for help.
1. They seem to make a habit of it.
a. Any little crisis and they cry that's it, that's the last
straw, and to the phone they go.
b. Then they wonder why they can't keep a friend.
2. Being very practical, it is good to have friends you can call on.
a. They too have their limitations.
3. The psalmist said, "Help us O Lord, for vain is the help of man."
II. "MY HELP COMES FROM JEHOVAH."
A. What does looking to the hills have to do with it?
1. Psalms of ascents as Jews made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual
feast days.
a. So many would come through Jordan Valley.
b. Looking toward the hills would be looking to Jerusalem where
they were to worship Jehovah.
B. "My help comes from Jehovah, the maker of heaven and earth."
1. There is an irrational way of looking at nature.
a. To look at nature and worship nature.
2. The rational way is to appreciate its beauty and complexity and worship
the God who created it.
Ill. THE VALUE OF LOOKING TO GOD FOR HELP.
A. His availability, "He that keepeth thee will not slumber."
1. He is always there.
a. One of the problems of learning to rely on friends, not always
there when you need them.
B. His ability, "The Lord is thy keeper."
1. So often we cry, "help Lord, I'm slipping."
a. "He will not suffer they foot to be moved."
2. "Lord, evil is about to overwhelm me!"
a. He shall preserve thee from all evil.
3. Now unto Him who is able.
Sermon Outline
- Where Do You Turn for Help?
- My Help Comes from Jehovah
- The Value of Looking to God for Help
- The Limitations of Positive Attitude
- The Limitations of Friends
- Looking to the Hills
- His Availability
- His Ability
Key Quotes
“He that keepeth thee will not slumber.” — Chuck Smith
“The Lord is thy keeper.” — Chuck Smith
“He shall preserve thee from all evil.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should rely on God for help, rather than our own positive attitude or friends.
- God is always available to help us, and He will not slumber or sleep.
- God is able to preserve us from all evil and keep us safe.