“But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
Israel whom I have chosen!
Thus says the Lord who made you,
who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
and my blessing on your descendants.
They shall spring up among the grass
like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’
another will call on the name of Jacob,
and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
and name himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:1-5
“There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
who rides through the heavens to your help,
through the skies in his majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27
“Who rises up for me against the wicked?
Who stands up for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my help,
my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’
your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul…
The Lord has become my stronghold,
and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:16-19,22
In order to help, the Helper bears certain qualities, and the Scriptures make those clear. Psalmist and prophet agree, He reigns on high, He is mighty, and He is personally involved with His people. A merciful God who loves and cares, a Savior who took on flesh to redeem us, is a God who helps in every need. (1 Peter 5:7)
Many cares of this world uncover our need for the Lord’s help. Relational challenges and stress at work, societal unrest and pressing threats of persecution or violence, health and financial concerns that weigh heavy with doom and discouragement, uncertain times and direction- all reveal our weaknesses and lack. Often, though, we try to remedy situations ourselves, trusting our own understanding or resources. For reasons intentional and subconscious, we fail to turn to the One who understands and supplies exactly what we need.
The Lord uses cares and quandaries to expose our needs, turn us to Himself, and train us to rely on His help. He answers when we call, providing security and aid. He advocates for us before the enemy, our sure defense, stronghold, and intercessor. He is our strength when we’re weak, wisdom in confusion, courage in temptation, and guide in the way we should go. (Psalm 32:8; 121; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 6:68; Romans 8:28-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 4:15-16)
How has the Lord showed up in the past to alleviate fears, answer doubts, and meet particular needs? When were we aware of His hearing and answering our cries? How will we apply past answers, rescues, enlightenment, inspiration, and gained faith and confidence to present circumstances?
Where and how do we need the Lord’s help today? Have we been relying on our own drive and power, or the world’s methods for improvement and self-help? What specific cares can we bring to and leave with Him, and trust His intervention and very real, present, and tangible assistance? (Psalm 46:1-2)
Lord, teach me to look to You for help in all things, so You are exalted.
As the rain and snow 