PSALM 121
WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING?
Introduction: Madtes – confusion, whose prayer
Caley – prayer’s privilege, power & promise
“For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you” 2 Chron 20:12
What are you expecting when you face challenges beyond your personal resources? Our expectations may not be Scriptural. “My momma use to say.” “My daddy told me.” “The preacher said . . .” Unscriptural expectations set us up for “Chicken Little” theology (Peter – nothing strange)
Our Western mentality about God, his plan for our life, our responsibility and the role of the HS concerning the Christian walk, and the issue of suffering are far from being Scriptural. When we do not have a Scriptural perspective concerning these issues then our expectations will set us for failure. Failure in our faith, in our marriage, in our parenting role, and in the body of Christ.
This morning I invite you to look to the Word of God with fresh eyes and an open heart as the HS guides us toward a clearer revelation of God.
Historical Understanding
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem (120-134)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills” situation which pushes the pilgrim to ask, “where does my help come from?” ANSWER: verse 2 (Proclamation)
Constantly Engaged (vv 3-4)
“Dottling Parent”
Isa 40:27-28
1 Chron 16:9
Song: His eye is on the Sparrow
Jesus: Look at the birds . . . Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matt 6)
Swindoll quote "So, take heart my friend, God is in full control. Nothing is happening on earth that brings a surprise to heaven. . . ."
Constantly Providing (vv 5-6)
“Your shade”
10x in Psalms, 7x "shadow of Thy wings"
You hide me . . . protect me . . . I take refuge
I rejoice under the shadow of your wings
Psa 91 – engineer unit (1943-45)Their chaplain encouraged them to carry a copy of this Psalm with them as they went into battle. During two years and over 20 intense battles, the unit expereinced no deaths. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, this is the Psalm that chaplains were handing to their soldiers.
Constantly Protecting (v 7)
NAS – The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul
2 Thess 3:3 – The Lord is faithful, and he will protect you from the evil one
(Jn 10:28)
Jesus: My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one
Committed for the Journey (v 8)
“guard” “going and coming” – military
Deut 20:1-4
“The Runaway Bunny” Heb 13:5-6, 8
Read VV 1-2
