The Pilgrim’s Credo: A Four-Part Sermon on Psalm 121
Theme: Trusting God as Our Protector
Text: Psalm 121
Introduction: Where Do You Look for Help?
Life is full of challenges—uncertainties, struggles, and fears. The question is, where do we turn for help? Psalm 121 reminds us that our help doesn’t come from our own strength, from other people, or from temporary solutions. Our help comes from God, who never fails.
This psalm shows us four key truths about God:
1. God is Our Helper (vs. 1-2)
2. God is Our Guardian (vs. 3-4)
3. God is Our Protector (vs. 5-6)
4. God is Our Keeper (vs. 7-8)
I. God is Our Helper (Psalm 121:1-2)
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
1. Looking to God, Not the World
The psalmist teaches us to lift our eyes to God, not to human strength, wealth, or power. Real help comes only from the Lord.
The basics of EMT training is ABC, Airway, Breathing and Circulation. When we lift up our eyes, it forces our head to lift up as well. When we lift up our head, it automatically opens our airways. Troubles cause us to look down and shut down our airways, thus shutting down life itself. Hope causes us to look up and open up our airways, giving us new life with every breath. Give Hope to those around you by helping them to “lift up their eyes to God alone”. This one motion helps all three functions of the EMT ABC’s.
2. Trusting in the Creator’s Power
If God made the heavens and the earth, He is more than able to handle any problem we face. He is in control of all things.
Application: When you face difficulties, do you first turn to God, or do you rely on your own abilities? Do you look down at your problems, or do you look up to God for solutions? How big is God in your minds eye? Big or Small? Weak or Strong? Indifferent or Caring?
II. God is Our Guardian (Psalm 121:3-4)
“He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
1. God Establishes Our Steps
We may feel like we’re stumbling through life, but God is guiding our path. He keeps us steady when we trust in Him.
Psalm 94:17-19, “Unless the Lord had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
Have you ever felt this way? What did you do? How did it turn out?
2. God Never Sleeps
Unlike human protectors, God never takes a break, never forgets us, and never grows weary. He is always watching over us.
Application: Are you trusting in God’s guidance, or are you anxious and trying to control everything yourself? Why does God’s help seem more precious in times of trouble than in times of ease?
Thought . . . “Problems are not in your way, they are the way” . . . your response is . . . ?
III. God is Our Protector (Psalm 121:5-6)
“The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.”
1. God Covers Us in Every Situation
The imagery of the sun and moon reminds us that God protects us at all times—day and night, in every season of life. What time are you in right now? Day or night? What season are you in right now? Winter, spring, summer or fall? How can you tell God is present with you right now?
2. God is Our Shelter
He is our shade, meaning He provides relief, comfort, and protection from the harsh elements of life.
At your right hand, means that God has you on his left side. What does God have on his left side? His shield! What does he have in his right hand? His sword!
Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
Application: Are you resting in God’s protection, or are you living in fear and worry? When have you tangibly sensed the Lord was watching over you and protecting you?
IV. God is Our Keeper (Psalm 121:7-8)
“The LORD will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
1. God Keeps Us Safe, Body and Soul
This doesn’t mean we won’t face struggles, but it means that nothing can ultimately destroy us when we belong to God.
2. God’s Care is Eternal
“The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
From this life to the next, God’s keeping power never ends. We are secure in His hands forever.
Final thought . . . compare the endings to Psalm 121, Psalm 1 & Psalm 23.
Psalm 121:8, “He will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Psalm 1:6, “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”
Psalm 23:6, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Conclusion: The Pilgrim’s Credo – “Trust the One Who Holds You”
Psalm 121 is a powerful reminder that:
1. God is Our Helper – He provides what we need.
2. God is Our Guardian – He watches over us always.
3. God is Our Protector – He shelters us from harm.
4. God is Our Keeper – He secures us for eternity.
No matter what you are facing, “lift your eyes to the Lord” . . . He is your help!
Closing Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for being our Helper, Guardian, Protector, and Keeper. Teach us to trust You completely, knowing that You never leave us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
This devotional was created with the help of Charles H. Spurgeon’s commentary on the Psalms called, “The Treasury of David, Volume VI, Psalm 119 – 124.”