Contributor: Wilson Imade
INTRODUCTION
Last week we looked at the tree planted by the river side, as a benefit of walking closely with God, symbolising the life of a man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful: but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law doth he meditate day and night. We saw that this man shall be blessed indeed and he shall blossom and prosper, but for the ungodly the same does not hold. Today we shall be looking at “Help From Above”, as another benefit of walking closely with God. “Help from Above” simply means help that can only come from God and that is divine. As we continue in this study, may the LORD bless us richly in Jesus name.
Text: "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber." Psalm 121:3 (KJV)
This verse is split into two parts and they would form the core of today’s study.
1. HE WILL NOT SUFFER THY FOOT TO BE MOVED
God in His ability has the power to deliver and to keep us from falling. God will not only deliver you from the threats of the enemy alone. He has the power to deliver you from yourself equally. In Daniel 6:10-22, we see a mighty deliverance from Daniel’s enemies who wanted him dead, instigating him being thrown into a den of lions but we see in verse 23 that Daniel came out without been hurt.
Other examples of those who experienced God’s mighty Deliverance
• Peter: Peter was arrested and kept in prison, with chains and guided by four quaternions of soldier's. Acts 12: 1- 11.
• Paul and Silas: In the case of Paul and Silas, God didn't need to send His angel. From His throne He thundered and there was an earthquake. (Acts 16: 23 - 30.)
There are several key requirements for a close walk with God. Let us consider some of them briefly.
a) Trust
One thing we must build in our close walk with God is trust. The Word of God admonishes us in Psalm 125:1 to trust in God.
"They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever."
A few examples of those who trusted God. (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego – Dan 3:16-28)
b) Belief
We must believe in whom we serve. Abraham believed God deeply to the point of him willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Genesis 15:6 says: “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
c) Intimacy (Close Relationship) with God.
There must be intimacy between you and God. This is a very important requirement if we are to walk closely with God. We must develop a deep, personal, and relational connection with Him.
Here are a few examples of people who walked in deep, intimate relationship with God.
• Abraham (Friend of God): James 2:23 – "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God’s friend."
• Moses (Spoke to God Face to Face): Exodus 33:11 – "The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend."
• David (A Man After God’s Own Heart): 1 Samuel 13:14 – "The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people."
2. HE THAT KEEPETH THEE WILL NOT SLUMBER
2 Chronicles 16:9 says: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”
The One who keeps watch over us is the Sovereign God!
• He does whatever He pleases. Psalm 115:3 “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” (Psalm 135:6)
• He is in in control of everyone and everything Psalm 47:7-8 “For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.”
• He has made the heaven and the earth by his great power and outstretched arm. And nothing is too hard for him. Jeremiah 32:17
CHALLENGES AS BELIEVERS
Job 1:8-10 tells us that God has put a put a hedge around us, our household and everything we have. Isaiah 41:10-16 is another scripture of assurance of God’s ever abiding presence with His people. Zechariah 2:4-5 tells us that God Himself will be unto us a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of us!
But sometimes people face challenges that to the ordinary eyes, it may appear they have been forsaken by God. But God’s Word is Yea and Amen! There are several reasons for this.
a) A Trial of Faith: As we see in Job’s case. The Lord allowed the enemy to afflict Job as a trial of his faith (Job 1:12, Job 2:6)
b) A Fall from Faith: A fall from faith leads to an individual falling out of alignment with God and therefore a change in position. In Eccl. 10:8 the Bible says: “He who digs a pit will fall into it, And whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.” An individual could bring a change in position or fall from faith on themselves by drawing back, partial obedience, or showing a nonchalant attitude.
o Drawing Back: Proverbs 29:5-6. “A man who flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet. 6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.”
o Partial Obedience: 1Samuel 15:2-23 tells us of Saul’s partial obedience to the command of God and he became rejected as king of Israel.
o Nonchalant Attitude: This refers to someone who is relaxed, casual, complacent and unconcerned. The key word being “unconcerned.” It often implies a lack of strong interest, or emotional involvement in something. But Amos 6:1a says: “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria,” 1Samuel 2:27-30, 1Samuel 3:11-18 These two
verses of scripture gives the unfortunate account of Eli’s nonchalance and its consequence.
c) An Attack of the Enemy: The enemy could also be the bedrock to the fall of a believer. John 10:10a says: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy” Acts 1:15-17 & 20 (Judas).
CONCLUSION
Help from above is help from the LORD, and He has promised us, believers in Matthew 28:18-20 that He will be with us always, even unto the end of the world. This is an assurance of divine help to everyone who has a close walk with God. This is why our obedience to God must be total and not partial. Actively walking closely with God does not imply only in church activities, but in all of our endeavours in life. In Proverbs 16:7 the Bible tells us that “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” The Lions were at peace with Daniel, all the keepers in the prison came crawling to meet Paul and Silas after Paul told them not to take their lives when they saw all the prison doors open. And they asked Paul what they must do to be saved.
