The Lord Is My Helper

October 2014 — Grace & Truth Magazine

The Lord Is My Helper

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave your nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” —Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV

“Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times,” says Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Likewise we should spread our matters before God, speaking to Him about everything – not merely about great trials, but even about little trials, little difficulties. We have the Lord in heaven. He is our Helper and His delight is to bless us. Also, the Father takes pleasure in helping every one of His children. Oh, the ever-increasing blessedness of that boldness that just trusts Him under all circumstances every day!

We hear the answer: “My grace is sufficient for you.” That means: “My all-sufficiency is for you and you are the object of My love. All My dealings with you are the very best dealings that can be; and you have in heaven One who said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’ (Heb. 13:5). You have Me as your Helper at all times; and in all your difficulties, whatever they may be, you have the opportunity to glorify Me.”

If we enter into what it means to be a partaker of grace we can at all times and under every circumstance be perfectly satisfied with God’s dealings with us. Whether joy or sorrow, sickness or health, prosperity or adversity – everything without one single exception is under the ordering of God. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

This should be the one great purpose of our lives after conversion: That every hour of the day we may glorify God in the position and circumstance He has been pleased to place us. The result will be peace and joy all day long. Our cups will be running over (Ps. 23:5). And even though yet on earth, we will be rejoicing in the Lord always.

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Our very weakness gives opportunity for the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to be plainly seen. That blessed One never leaves and never forsakes His own. The greater our weakness, the more He delights to manifest His strength if we but cast ourselves on Him. The greater our necessities, the more ground [reason] we have to rely on Him. His help is near – He is not far off. He will prove Himself still as our Helper. Oh, what peace and comfort to the heart!

From Grace & Truth Magazine, April 1934, Arranged

O God, Our Help O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home!

Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. — Isaac Watts (1647-1748)