Sermon: The Worshipper’s Hope

The Worshipper’s Hope
Psalm 121
May 27, 2018

The older I get, the more I realize I am prone to forgetfulness. I don’t usually lose my keys or glasses, but I often forget things like appointments (which is why I am thankful for my Google calendar), tasks that I need to do, what I need to buy at the grocery store, and why I might be in a particular room (I have been known to do multiple circle/spins in a room, hoping to spot the reason why I walked into the room).

I’m forgetful, but at least at this point I’m thankful that I remember that I’m forgetful. I’m worried about the day that I don’t remember that I don’t remember very well.

You and I are also prone to spiritual forgetfulness. And I suppose it has always been that way. For instance, the apostle Peter says several times in his second letter that his purpose is to remind his readers of the reality of who they are and what they have in Christ:

• Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder… (2 Pt. 2:12-13; my emphasis)
• This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles… (2 Pt. 3:1-2; my emphasis)

You and I need those reminders. And this morning as we come to the communion table, we need a reminder of the greatness of our God. And this week as our church body has experienced a great tragedy, we need to be reminded of the greatness and power and care of our God.

To remind myself, and you, of the provision and protection of our God, I want to draw your attention to one of the ascent psalms — in fact, it is my favorite of those psalms, and perhaps one of my favorites of all the psalms — Psalm 121.

In this song that the Israelite pilgrims would sing as they went to worship in Jerusalem, the psalmist simply reminds those worshipers that,

God preserves His people in all their trials.

This psalm points us to the character of God and four ways that He preserves His people. Where is our hope in our trials? Our hope is in God. Specifically…

1. God is the Creator Who Sustains His People (vv. 1-2)
2. God is the Keeper Who Protects His People (vv. 3-4)
3. God is the Keeper Who Comforts His People (vv. 5-6)
4. God is the Keeper Always Watches Over His People (vv. 7-8)

Download the rest of this sermon on Psalm 121.

The audio will be posted on the GBC website by tomorrow.