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PSALM 121:1, 2

"MY SOURCE OF HELP"

Intro: No matter how clever or resourceful you may be, sooner or later we reach a point
       where we must reach out for help.

I. WHERE DO YOU TURN FOR HELP?
        A. Some turn to the mysterious power of a positive attitude.
                1. The little red engine, "I think I can."
                2. "They said it couldn't be done..."
                3. A positive attitude is important, but it has its limitations, it is
                   not omnipotent.
                        a. You may be facing a solid brick wall.
                4. There are those who would interpret this verse by saying, "just look
                   how strong and majestic those mountains are, now say, "I am strong
                   and majestic, I shall endure."
        B. Some always looking to friends for help.
                1. They seem to make a habit of it.
                        a. Any little crisis and they cry that's it, that's the last
                           straw, and to the phone they go.
                        b. Then they wonder why they can't keep a friend.
                2. Being very practical, it is good to have friends you can call on.
                        a. They too have their limitations.
                3. The psalmist said, "Help us O Lord, for vain is the help of man."

II. "MY HELP COMES FROM JEHOVAH."
        A. What does looking to the hills have to do with it?
                1. Psalms of ascents as Jews made their pilgrimage to Jerusalem for annual
                   feast days.
                        a. So many would come through Jordan Valley.
                        b. Looking toward the hills would be looking to Jerusalem where
                           they were to worship Jehovah.
        B. "My help comes from Jehovah, the maker of heaven and earth."
                1. There is an irrational way of looking at nature.
                        a. To look at nature and worship nature.
                2. The rational way is to appreciate its beauty and complexity and worship
                   the God who created it.

Ill. THE VALUE OF LOOKING TO GOD FOR HELP.
        A. His availability, "He that keepeth thee will not slumber."
                1. He is always there.
                        a. One of the problems of learning to rely on friends, not always
                           there when you need them.
        B. His ability, "The Lord is thy keeper."
                1. So often we cry, "help Lord, I'm slipping."
                        a. "He will not suffer they foot to be moved."
                2. "Lord, evil is about to overwhelm me!"
                        a. He shall preserve thee from all evil.
                3. Now unto Him who is able.