Help Is Coming

Psalm 121:1–8

Scripture Reference

Psalm 121:1–8

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.

The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Introduction

Title: “Help Is Coming”

Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu

This short sermon is drawn from Psalm 121 — a traveler’s psalm that comforts those who are worn, fearful, or uncertain. It pictures the believer raising their eyes to the hills as a posture of expectation: help is on the way. The psalmist reminds us that our help is not a vague force or a lucky break; it is the living, sovereign God — the Creator, Keeper, Shade, and Preserver. This message is for young adults and all church members who need practical, biblical encouragement to trust God through trials and to make use of the help God supplies: the Holy Spirit, the Word, and the fellowship of the local church.

“We know where he’s going. It’s not the same place. Praise God.”

Quote from Preacher

The above sentence is the exact opening line taken verbatim from the transcript and sets a tone of assurance and confidence: though paths differ, our destination and our help are certain because God directs and sustains His people.

Outline

Source of Our Help (Verses 1–2)
1. Look Up, Not Inward — The psalmist “lifts up” his eyes. The proper posture in trial is to look upward to the Lord, not inward to our own resources or around to fickle friends.
2. Help Comes From the Creator — “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Because God made all things, He is necessarily able to sustain and intervene in them. If He created the circumstances, He can govern them to accomplish His good purposes in you.
3. Access to Grace — Hebrews 4:16 (as referenced in the sermon) reminds us we may boldly approach the throne of grace for help in time of need. The Creator is also our approachable God.
Explanation: Young adults often feel forced to “figure it out” alone. The text says help is not found in self-sufficiency but in the One who made everything. This is both comforting and humbling — comforting because He can help, humbling because He commands dependence.
Sentry of Our Help (Verses 3–4)
1. God Will Not Let Your Foot Be Moved — A picture of stability: God secures the believer. Temptation or trial will not overtake us beyond God’s permission and provision (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13).
2. God Does Not Slumber or Sleep — Unlike humans, God never tires. His attention is not divided; His vigilance is continual. The same God who governs nations also gives you personal, undivided care.
Explanation: The image of a sentry or guard helps us see God’s personal care. He is not oblivious, nor is He inattentive. Even when trials come, He is watching to deliver, sustain, and strengthen.
Strength of Our Help (Verses 5–6)
1. The LORD Is Thy Keeper — The keeper is the shepherd who protects his flock (David’s own background as shepherd illuminates this). God’s keeping is active protection and provision.
2. Shade on Your Right Hand — Shade is relief from burning trials; the “right hand” symbolizes strength. God shelters and strengthens the works of your hands and the efforts of your life.
3. Protection from Elements — “The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.” God protects from visible and hidden dangers alike — from scorching trials and subtle assaults.
Explanation: Strength is not merely rescue; it is the power and shelter to continue. For young adults juggling work, relationships, and decisions, this means God supplies the ability and refuge to persist in godliness.
Security of Our Help (Verses 7–8)
1. Preserved from All Evil — The Lord “shall preserve thee from all evil.” Preservation is a saving, guarding action. As believers sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians), our ultimate security rests in God.
2. Preserve Thy Soul — God’s preservation includes the inner life — your soul — which salvation secures for eternity.
3. Going Out and Coming In Forevermore — God watches every movement, daily and forever; His preservation is continual and eternal.
Explanation: Preservation here is pictured by the canning/preserving metaphor in the sermon — sealed for future use. Your salvation and daily life are under God’s care now and for eternity. This gives confident hope: “it only gets better” for the child of God.
Practical Supports: The Holy Spirit and the Church
1. Internal Help — The Holy Spirit — The sermon repeatedly points to the Spirit as resident help, guiding into all truth (John 14, 16). The Spirit is your daily assistant in growth and endurance.
2. External Help — The Local Church — Galatians 6:2: bear one another’s burdens. God provides corporate help: brothers and sisters to encourage, exhort, and carry responsibilities together.
Explanation: You are not meant to be a “lone ranger” Christian. Use the means God provides: Word, Spirit, and family. If you neglect these, you will attempt self-sufficiency and miss God’s appointed help.

Summary

Psalm 121 lifts the believer’s eyes to a reliable, active God. Our help comes from the Lord — the Creator — who both authors and finishes our faith. He stands as sentry, never slumbering; He is strength and shade, protecting us from the enemy and the elements; He preserves our souls and our daily lives now and forevermore. The practical outworking of that help is realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the truths of Scripture, and the fellowship of the local church. When trials come, help is on the way — not in distant providence but in present, personal ministry from the LORD.

“Help is on the way. Help is on the way.”

Quote to Ponder

This short refrain from the sermon is a pastoral call to hope and to expect God’s timely help. Let it ring in your heart through trials: help is on the way.

Application for the Week

Make the psalm practical. Each day this week take specific actions to receive and participate in God’s help.

Lift Your Eyes (Daily) — Spend 5 Minutes Practicing Upward Focus
1. Morning: Read Psalm 121 aloud slowly. Let the words direct your heart to God before your phone, work, and worries.
2. Evening: Name one trial and intentionally say, “My help cometh from the LORD,” and commit it to prayer.
Use Your Means — Open the Word and Pray
1. Read one chapter of the Gospels each day to remind yourself who Jesus is and how He helps.
2. Pray specifically: ask for God’s keeping, shade, and preservation for one concrete situation.
Engage Your Church Family
1. Share one burden with a trusted believer this week and let them pray with you (Galatians 6:2).
2. If you are not involved in a small group, join or ask about one — fellowship is a primary means of God’s help.
Remember the Spirit’s Work
1. When confused or tempted, pause and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your next decision (John 14:26, 16:13).
2. Journal one sentence each day of ways you sense the Spirit’s guidance or peace.
Trust God’s Preservation
1. When fear or doubt arises, rehearse the promise: “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in…forevermore.”
2. Memorize Psalm 121:2–3 this week to anchor your confidence in trials.

Closing encouragement: You do not have to carry your burdens by yourself. Help is coming — the Lord is your Source, Sentry, Strength, and Security. Use the means He has given: Word, Spirit, and the Church. Trust Him this week and watch how He shows up in small, steady, and sovereign ways.