THE HILLS OF GOD; Part #1

Today let us take a look at Psalm 121 for a devotional lesson- more of a study than a sermon.


At a glance we see:


· A statement of determination - I will.


· A recognition of need


· A knowledge of the Source of help


· an expression of faith


· a comfort of security


Many of the later translations place the last part of verse one into a question - "Whence cometh my help?" But the net results is the same.


Throughout the Psalm the personal pronouns are prominent.


· Verse one and two: I, my, mine.


· Verse three - eight: Thee, thy, thee.


The times of deepest need pressures us to seek the help that comes from a higher source. Other Psalms relate times of uncertainty and darkness; Times of imminent danger; times of intense enmity, of disappointment, of friends who prove to be unfaithful, etc.


Note Ps. 61:2 When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock which is higher than I. Help comes not from around me, but from above me. This rock gives elevation, purer air, clearer vision, protecting permanence.


There are certain laws of spiritual geography and topography that apply to spiritual matters.


1. God is Creator. The God who created the universe from nothing and upholds and sustains it by His power can surely attend to what He has created, including ourselves and our need.


2. God is a dependable watchman. Since God is Spirit, and not physical, He has no demand or requirement for sleep. He is always alert, available, on duty. Ps. 33:18; Ps. 34:15; Ps 101:6.


The late Bishop Quayle, when a college student, late at night was walking the floor worrying how he could pay his college tuition his rent, and support his family. Then he felt that the Lord spoke to him: "Quayle, why don't you leave all that up to me and go to bed. I'm going to be up all night anyway."


3. God is protector. Shade is metaphorical, as also in Ps. 91:1 - 10. Shadow of the Almighty.


vs. 11. "He shall give His angels charge over thee ... "


Ps. 17:8. "Hide me under the shadow of thy wings."


This protection is continuous - day and night.


4. God Preserver. Physical - From all evil. Spiritual - Of the Soul.


5. He is God of Promise - All this. How long?


Verse 8: "From this time forth, and even forevermore."


Matt. 28:20. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always (and all the ways) even unto the end of the world."