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FACE THIS YEAR WITH YOUR EYES ON THE LORD
Happy New Year – 2009
Text: “My help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps.121:2)
We are living in a very difficult time in the history of our planet. Facing a global recession, governments do not know what to do to fix that situation. Stress, depression, foreclosure, and unemployment are rampant. If you are not plagued by one of them, I am sure we all know someone who does – a family member, a co-worker, a friend or a church member. The experts agree that our land is facing some of the worst economic times ever known. There will be a new president in the White House, but is he the answer to the global calamity? Who do we turn to in these troubled times? Psalm 121 that is known as the “Pilgrim’s song” should be our guide for the New Year.
A. False remedies Ps.121:1
Our tendency as human being is to place our faith in our government, our portfolio, our profession, our ability, and sometimes our friends. The Bible explicitly warns us against such dependence. “Cursed is the man who trusts in man, and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord”…”Jeremiah 17:5. America is the richest and the strongest nation of the World, however their might cannot prevent them from been part of the woe known by the world community. The recession has wiped out the portfolio of many investors. They went to bed rich and woke up poor. Job security is a thing of the past in our present time. The Psalmist also was looking for help on the hills. In the ancient times, hills were usually places of securities. A city on the hill was secured against raids from the enemies, and the people could sleep in peace. Army did not have Jet fighter, and enemy soldiers had to climb to reach the city. They were discovered and eliminated by the guards before reaching the city. Realizing that cities on the hills were guarded by fallen man, the Psalmist moved his eyes to a higher power.
B. Keep you eyes on God Ps.121:2-4
The fact that God is the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth, the Psalmist realized that he could trust Him throughout the journey of life. Watchman can fall to sleep, but God will not slumber nor sleep. The recession that the world is facing today caught every top economist by surprise. But, do you know that our God from eternity past knew in advance of such a calamity? Our God is omniscient, tomorrow is in his hand. What is happening in our world today is no surprise to God.
Instead of worrying about things beyond our control and when we are faced with trials in our life our focus should turn toward God. When the job is no longer available, family and friends cannot help, lift up your eyes past the hills to heaven. There is no better comfort than the comfort we can receive from God. “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about the body, what you will wear” Luke 12:22
God has plans for the future of all his children, plans of peace, hope, prosperity and security. We can face confidently tomorrow with God in our side.
C. God is trustworthy Ps.121: 5-8
Many Christians go through so much in life that they are spiritually tired. They feel that the world’s problems are so great that even God can have no realistic impact. Because of life’s circumstances, they are willing to simply exist. The Bible’s statements concerning the power of God, victory, triumph, and conquest mean little more to them than foolish dreams.
I remember that it was not long ago that gasoline was as expensive as diamond for the average driver. Any trip to the pump was a cause of stress. But now, at the pick of the recession, it requires only a few dollars to top our tank. Do you think that miracle is a gift from OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries)? No!! I believe that God is at work for the average ‘Joe’ like you and me in time of financial hardship.
God always make a way where there seems to be no way. Alexander Graham Bell said: “When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the ones which open for us.”
At a time of distress and despair, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also and me.” John 14:1.We can trust God even when we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The apostle, Peter was able to walk on the stormy sea (water) while his eyes were on the Lord.
Conclusion – Jeremiah, a prophet of the Old Testament, proclaims a message of assurance to those who put their trust on God. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8. Let face the New Year with our eyes on the Lord.
Happy New Year to all the members and friends of Redemption Baptist Church.
Pastor Hector Clerveaux