Oh, my word. Every time I NEED help from the sanctuary, I get surprised all over again, amazed and shocked that the God of the Universe, the Creator of everything – yes, THAT God- our Father, the Blessed Redeemer, the Savior of mankind, the Alpha and Omega {the Beginning and the End}, the Holy Spirit of God Himself, He is also the One who is the Helper {MY help}, helping me, helping me!
He helps us. He is our Helper! I keep forgetting this and God keeps reminding me. I keep doubting it and He keeps proving it is true, time and again.
Circumstances can look bleak, the path obscured, answers seem hopelessly hidden. We shake our heads, barely breathing out to Him…We pray, God, help me…and then He does.
Reading Frank Viola, God’s Favorite Place on Earth, in his account of the raising of Lazarus from the dead:
“…as high as God is going to elevate you is as deep as He digs to lay the foundation.
Sometimes the brightest light comes from the darkest places. And what doesn’t destroy you ends up defining you in some significant way…
Interestingly, Lazarus is the shortened form of a name that means ‘God helps.'”
I’d say being raised from the DEAD qualifies as being helped! :)
The dictionary says to help is to give assistance or support; to make more pleasant or bearable (improve, relieve, rescue, save). It says to help is to be of use to (benefit); to further the advancement of (promote) or even to serve with food or drink as in a meal {Reminds me of “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”}.
He is a very present HELP in time of need.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121
So here is this old song for this new Sunday: Made Me Glad by Hillsong, based on Psalm 46 and every word true!
I will bless the Lord forever
And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all fear
And he has set my feet upon a rock
And I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord….
You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need
Whom have I in Heaven but you?
There’s none I desire beside you
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord….
You are my shield
My strength
My portion
Deliverer
My shelter
Strong tower
My very present help in time of need
Friends and family, let me declare/speak/pray this blessing over you:: May the everlasting One hear you today and send help from His sanctuary. May the most Helpful One come to your rescue, bringing provision and relief and providing the support you need right now and be so very, very present. I pray this for you – for the Help you need. Amen!