St Helen's Sunday talks podcast St Helen's Bishopsgate

The songs of ascent describe the Christian life as a journey to God’s heavenly city Jerusalem. This psalm asks us to consider what that journey would be like without the Lord at our side, so we see what great help he is to us on the way.

The songs of ascent describe the Christian life as a journey to God’s heavenly city Jerusalem. This psalm asks us to consider what that journey would be like without the Lord at our side, so we see what great help he is to us on the way.

Why is singing so good for us? This psalm helps us see beyond the health benefits that come to those who like to sing! We’re so easily distracted. It turns out singing and praising the LORD is one of the key ways he keeps us going to the new creation.

Life is a perilous journey. In times of danger, where do we look for help? The psalmist answers, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth”. It is the LORD from whom our help comes. The one who does not sleep, the one who keeps us from this time forth and forevermore.

This psalm tells us that the LORD is the keeper of his people. This doesn't guarantee us personal security from every hardship, but it does guarantee us that he will guard his people and take them to their final inheritance.

Where do we turn in times of trouble? Again and again, we see how the shantytown of this world fails to provide true security. This psalm is a wonderful tonic as our eyes are lifted to the Most High. He really will deliver all those who take refuge in him.