Scripture: Ps 138:7-8

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. 8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

In Psalm 138:7-8, the Psalmist showed us

• 1. Why we need God’s help
• 2. Why we can count on His help

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I. The Reason Why We Need God’s Help

• Obvious Reason: We “walk in the midst of trouble” (v.7a)
• We are surrounded by troubles, problems, adversities
• Categories: Common, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic = Crisis
• Natural Disasters – tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons, storms, floods, droughts, famine, wildfires, disease epidemics and pandemics, insect and animal plagues and pestilences
• Man-made Disasters – pollution, accidents (industrial, technological, transport), riots, armed conflicts, revolutions, wars, stock market crashes, etc.

A. Natural Realm

• Physically – weak, sick, disabled
• Materially – no home, money, food, drink, etc
• Mentally – forgetful, poor memory, unsound,
• Socially – no job, family, friends, relatives = isolated
• Spiritually – cold, distanced, backslidden

B. Unnatural Realm

1. Satan

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

2. Demonic beings

... principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)

3. The World

... Lust of the eye and flesh, and pride of life ... (1 John 2:15-17)

... Keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. (1 Peter 2:11)

4. The Flesh

Romans 12:1; 13:13-14

5. Depraved, wicked, and ungodly people 

Romans 1:28-32; 2 Tim. 3:1-5

Position and status, situations and circumstances in life can change either gradually or suddenly or overnight. Hence, we need God’s help at all times.

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II. The Reasons Why We Can Count on God’s Help

1. He is greater and more powerful than our troubles and enemies (v.7)

A. “You preserve my life”

B. “You stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies”

C. “Your right hand delivers (saves) me”

2. He is in control of our lives (v.8a)

• The LORD will fulfill his purpose for us (ESV)
• He will perfect that which concerns us (NKJV)
• He will work out his plans for our lives (TLB)
• He will finish what He has started

Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

3. He is loving, merciful and faithful to us

• Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever (ESV)
• Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever (NKJV)
• Your faithfulness, Lord, is everlasting (TLB)

4. He is dependable and trustworthy

• Do not forsake the work of your hands (NKJV)
• Don’t abandon me - for you made me (TLB)
• God will keep His promise

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)

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We Can Count on God’s Help because

1. He is greater and more powerful than our troubles and enemies

2. He is in control of our lives

3. He is loving, merciful and faithful to us

4. He is dependable and trustworthy

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Challenge:

• Trust Him
• Turn over control to Him
• Have faith in Him
• Depend on Him