Our Help and Hope

“Put not your trust in princes,
    in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.
When his breath departs, he returns to the earth;
    on that very day his plans perish.

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,
who made heaven and earth,
    the sea, and all that is in them,
who keeps faith forever;
    who executes justice for the oppressed,
    who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free;
    the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the sojourners;
    he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
    but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever,
    your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:3-10

Living here on earth, and moving among things of earth, we tend to seek here our sources of wisdom, help, and strength. We exercise our minds and bodies to be able to defend against and equip ourselves for whatever comes, but often to the neglect of what we cannot conquer in the flesh. “Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!” is a sobering reality we do not like to believe, but it has serious bearing on our ability to help ourselves. (Psalm 39:5)

Thankfully, our Maker who created us for Himself loves us, and leaves us not alone. He who imagined and made all things keeps faith forever. He is our steadfast, unchanging help in provision and justice, protection and undergirding. He who holds the future and is coming again is our hope of lasting freedom, our sight for recognizing and receiving our eternal inheritance, our guarantee of release from despair and unbearable burdens. (Isaiah 49:1-5; John 14:2-3)

Shall we not then praise Him? Will we not then trust Him? Our LORD, whose eye is keen and arm is strong, is enough for our every care and need. His salvation is more real, and lasting, than any earthly deliverance.

If the One who helps us is also our hope, His aid is tied to His guarantee, His companionship and provision in the present to our eternal and glorious riches. Nothing can separate us from Him, no trouble or attack or dearth or pain can change what is ours in Christ. We cannot hold back sea and storm. Flesh is imperfect in fidelity and justice. Man cannot work miracles. But God is a present help and hope, able and faithful to fulfill His promises. He is the One who reigns in majesty and ineffable power. (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 46:1; Lamentations 3:22-23; Romans 8:31-39; Ephesians 1:11-14)

“Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow–
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” ~Thomas O. Chisholm (1923)

Where are we weak? Where have we failed? What is our need? And where are we seeking help? Would we descend our thrones, relinquish man’s expertise and ‘must-haves,’ and reach for the King who is eternally good, loving, and actively engaged in our lives?

Faithful Lord, my help and hope are in You alone. Keep me praising and trusting You forever.