Help of the Helpless

There are many military families who are preparing to be deployed over the holidays. We are privileged at Holy family to have provided housing to a military family burned down over the summer. Gladly, they are preparing to move back into their home. However, the daddy in the family will be deployed the day his spouse and three children move back into their home.

There are moments in our lives that fell “gut wretching.” Like a loved one leaving overseas to defend our country, or worse a loved one being abandoned by their partner after many faithful years of married life. How does anyone get through these moments woithout fear. The answer to our human fear is faith.

 "The Lord helps those to help themselves" is simply false and misunderstood. his is not what the Bible says. In fact, the Bible says that the "Lord helps those who admit their helplessness." The words in Scripture go like this:” God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but  our eyes are on You.” (2 Chroniciles 20:12).

What is recorded sounds more realistic like…"We don't know what to do. So we look to you for help." The song writer put it "Help of the helpless, O abide with me." Do you know who wrote “Abide with Me” and how it came about?

It was composed one Sunday evening in 1847 by the Rev. Henry F. Lyte. It seemed that a deep sadness had settled upon him. He, according to the story, had just returned from his last communion service at his pastorate of 24 years at Brixham, England.

A fatal illness had attacked him and he was preparing to leave England and go to a warmer climate. Toward evening he walked down his garden path to the seaside and there thought out the words of his famous hymn. Later he worked together the words from his sense of helplessness that he felt (that anyone of us would) and his trustful dependence upon Jesus. He is the "help of the helpless".

He returned to his home, wrote out the hymn and later perfected the words and gave to the Christian world a great, tender prayer-hymn. After that he left for the south of France. He arrived at his niece's home and soon after died with his whispering words, "Peace! Joy!" as he pointed his finger toward upward.

Some of the words are, "Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord abide with me.”

My point is that phrase - "help of the helpless, O abide with me" must be our paryer in moments when we panic and are overcome with fear. How will I get on in life without my partner at my side.  Remember, the Lord does NOT help those who help themselves. He helps those who admit their helplessness. His power is available. In fact, He puts it this way, "He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength."

Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Frineds who are feeling helpless at this moment. As we cry out, we pray, "Abba Father...be at our side.” Thank you that there is power to those who have enough guts to admit that they are helpless.