Do you believe it?
Our answer is probably, “Yes”.
But do we “fully” believe it?
Doesn’t it seem that some people don’t
need much help?
Doesn’t it seem that for some people
everything “Goes their way” in life?
King David was the most powerful man in the world
at one time, yet inspired by God he wrote;
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”
- Psalm 46:1
The truth is that “Everybody needs help”.
That’s why the promise of Psalm 46.
With the idea of “help” in mind,
it is interesting to note that we tend to be
tempted in one of three directions.
We may be pulled towards one of three directions.
1. THE WAY OF TOTAL “INDEPENDENCY”
(Never asking for, or admitting that we need help)
Often driven by PRIDE.
“I can do it all by myself.”
2. ¨THE WAY OF TOTAL “DEPENDENCY”
[This is pride’s polar opposite]
(Wanting others to do everything for us)
Often driven by;
Selfishness,
or
Lack of confidence.
Either way the message is the same;
“I want you to do it all for me.”
3. THE WAY OF THE “SEE-SAW”
(Teeter-Tottering back and forth
between the two extremes of:
Not asking for any help
and
Expecting others to do every difficult thing for us.
Whichever of the three cases above,
God wants us to know that
He is there for us!
(Whether we ask him or not)
He is even there to help us to become humble
enough to admit that we need help.
When we are being lazy, He is there to strengthen us,
and when needed, to kick us in the pants to get us
motivated to do things for ourselves and not expect
others to do everything for us.
This is simply taking responsibility for our actions.
And finally, God is there to help us to know the
difference between the first two when we teeter- totter
back and forth between giving too much
responsibility to others, and taking too much
personal responsibility on ourselves.
That is why God inspired David to write;
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present
help in trouble.”
-Psalm 46:1
“God is
[“Is” = Certainty. He truly “Is”]
our
[“Plural” = Everybody needs God’s help]
refuge
[Safe place]
and strength,
[Enough strength for what you need]
an ever-present
[He is “always” there for you]
help
[“Help” = Assistance. You do not have to go it alone.
He will help you to face anything and everything]
in trouble.”
[All troubles, whatever kind they may be;
Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, Relationally, Physically, Financially, etc]
-Psalm 46:1
What great promises.
Whatever your needs (and you do have them),
look to God to help you in just the right way.
He will do it!
And you will be glad that you asked him.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for these promises.
Forgive me when I have tried to make it on my own.
Forgive me for my pride.
Forgive me for the times that I have been lazy
and expected others to do things for me.
Forgive me for the times that I have been lacking
confidence in both myself and you and have
chosen not to even deal with my problems.
You are my refuge and strength.
I ask you to help me in every situation in my life
according to your will.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen!
God bless you… Pastor Dave
PS. As a reminder, we will contact you by email
and/or phone when we will resume worship on campus.
Word of Life Church
17525 W. Bell Rd.
Surprise, AZ 85374