HELP!
READ: Psalm 26:9-12
HELP! A lot of times it’s hard for people to ask for help – we’d rather try on our own or wait until the situation seems hopeless before we turn to someone or something else for help. Our stubborn pride and selfish arrogance get in the way of us relying on others, or reading the manual, or working as a team to accomplish quicker, better results.
When it comes to our spiritual life, outside help is the only hope we have. David recognized this, and he admits it in verse 11, “But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me.” At first glance we may think, “David seems arrogant himself; he’s claiming blamelessness.” But any action of his own is worthless in God’s sight. Isaiah 64:6 says, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags...” And because David knew this, even after he claimed blamelessness, he petitioned God for redemption and much needed mercy.
And we’re no different – we need this help just as much as David, the man after God’s own heart. Our sins condemn us too; our righteous acts earn us nothing good, but rather hell itself. We need help badly! And God answers our need! He gives us the help we desperately need, despite what we are, because of his great love for us! “...when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy” (Titus 3:4-5). In Jesus we have all the help we need. And like David, we praise the LORD in the great assembly, and stand on the level ground of God’s amazing promises.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How does God help you on a daily basis? In what ways can you praise God for his loving help?
THINGS TO PRAY ABOUT: Ask God to forgive us for the times we ignore or even despise his help. Praise God for the many things he does for us – for full and free forgiveness, for daily protection and needs, for faith and for blessings too numerous to count.