GOD OUR HELP
GOD OUR HELP
Our elders in Yoruba land (the predominant ethnic group in South Western Nigeria) have a saying that goes like this “Alanu ko ni won e” which literally means “Helpers will not be far from you”. That is my wish and prayer for us all, in Jesus name.
We all need help along the way regardless of whom we are or where we are located. Sometimes we need someone to put in a good word for us about that job or that contract, we might need help with housekeeping chores, perhaps you are unable to manage the school run for a particular period of time and it would not hurt if your friend was able to give a helping hand. And oh! The bliss of having a baby sitter when you would like to spend an intimate evening out with your significant other…and the list goes on…
Well, all the help we get from family, friends and loved ones is really great, yet there is a “Help(er)” that we must seek and court at all costs. He is the Lord, our God and can cause all enemies around us to depart from us. “…Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.” 2 Chronicles 18:31 KJV
In the book of 2 Chronicles 26, we are told about an Israelite king, Uzziah, who was very strong and recorded great success because God helped him. “…His fame spread far and wide, for the lord gave him marvellous help, and he became very powerful.” 2 Chronicles 26:15 NLT
God is the same One that will fight for His children. “He (The king of Assyria) may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” 2 Chronicles 32: 8 NLT
My father (of blessed memory), passed on about ten years ago, but guess what? My siblings and I have absolutely nothing to worry about because Our God is the “helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:4 KJV but you do not have to be without your earthly father before you can be a recipient of God’s help. Absolutely not! Trust in Him. And you will qualify for His help just like that. “And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him.” Psalm 37:40 KJV
My darling sister, does it seem like the storms of life are overwhelming right about now? Please keep calm because “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her and that right early.” Psalms 46:5 KJV
Are you trusting God to be married this year? Why not cry out to Him? “He setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains…” Psalms 68:6 KJV
In Isaiah 41: 10, 13-14 KJV God encourages the children of Israel when He says to them repeatedly that He would help them. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; …” “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not: I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” What could be more reassuring? When God makes a promise He keeps it. If He says He will help, then He will stop at nothing to do so. He cannot lie!
And so as we carry on our journey in the year 2018, I pray that even as we find “help” along our way, we will remain confident and rest assured that the One who is “Our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble” will always be there for us.
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS©