November 10, 2024

Help in the LORD

When Help is Needed: Trusting in the Lord

Bible Passage: Ps 124:1–8

Summary: Psalm 124 expresses the confidence of the psalmist in the Lord's protection and deliverance from dangers and adversities faced by the people of Israel.

Application: This passage encourages believers to rely on God's help in times of trouble, reminding them that they are not alone and that God is their refuge and strength, even when facing overwhelming challenges.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that our help comes from the Lord, who is powerful and capable of delivering us from our enemies and hardships. It emphasizes the importance of trust in God during life's storms.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme points to Christ as our ultimate deliverer, whose victory over sin and death assures us that we can find refuge in Him in every situation. He embodies the help that the psalmist speaks of, as He is our Savior and protector.

Big Idea: God is our unfailing help in times of trouble; in Him, we find safety, strength, and deliverance.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of Psalm 124 to understand the specific adversities the Israelites were facing. You might find it helpful to investigate the Hebrew terms for 'help' and 'deliverance' to grasp their implications. Using your Logos library, look into commentaries that discuss the structure and poetic devices of the psalm, which can deepen your insights on how to convey its message effectively.

1. Recognizing God's Presence

Ps 124:1-3

You could emphasize the certainty of God's presence and protection from the beginning. As the psalmist acknowledges "If the Lord had not been on our side," it highlights that God's faithfulness is foundational to our safety and well-being. Illustrate that just as Israel recognized God’s intervention in their history, we too can trust that God will not abandon us in our troubles. This sets the stage for us to lean into the assurance that Christ, our ultimate helper, is always with us.

2. Overcoming Life's Challenges

Ps 124:4-5

Perhaps illustrate how the imagery of raging waters represents life's overwhelming challenges. The psalmist vividly describes threats that could have

3. Praising Our Protector

Ps 124:6-8

You might convey the importance of praise and gratitude in acknowledging God's deliverance. The psalm concludes with a proclamation that our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth. Encourage the congregation to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, recognizing Jesus as our Savior who has set us free, and continually seek refuge in His name.