Help for the helpless

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

I sometimes ask people, "Where does it say in the Bible, ‘God helps those who help themselves?’ " Most say they’re not sure, but the concept is so familiar that they think it must be somewhere in God’s Word.

Actually, the Bible doesn’t say that at all. It tells us just the opposite: God helps the helpless.

When you read the Gospels, you find that Jesus did not refuse to help the helpless. He did not withhold forgiveness and compassion from those who acknowledged their sin. He did not turn away from those who had no power to change. In fact, the people who distressed Him most were those who thought they didn’t need any help at all.

God’s thoughts are higher than ours (ISAIAH 55:9), and He sees things differently than we do. We see our own ability to deal with problems; He shows us our weaknesses to teach us to rely on His strength. We take pride in our successes and begin to think we don’t need God’s help; He allows us to fail so He can teach us that true success comes through His grace.

Are you feeling helpless today? God’s grace is available for those who recognize that they cannot help themselves. "Come boldly to the throne of grace" to find help in your time of need (HEBREWS 4:16). – David H. Roper

Then boldly let our faith address

The throne of grace and power;

We shall obtain delivering grace

In every needed hour. – Watts

READ: HEBREWS 4:14-16

God helps those who know they are helpless.