Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on horses! They trust in the abundance of chariots and in the large number of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel, and they do not seek the Lord’s help. Egyptians are men not God; their horses are flesh not spirit. Isaiah 31:1, 3
I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
My words…
Praise
The Assyrians were at the gate, and Judah needed help. To whom did they turn? They turned to the ones who had enslaved their ancestors instead of the One who had liberated them. They depended on the riders of horses instead of the horses’ Creator. They trusted in the abundance of chariots instead of the Holy One. Isaiah declared to them, “You’re looking to the wrong source for help.” When calamity strikes, when sickness weakens, when hope fades, where does help come from? There’s only one source: the Maker of everything. It’s perfectly logical. If help is needed, why not go to the most powerful source? Spirit instead of flesh. God instead of humans.
Prayer for me
Judah’s back was to the wall. Without help, they could not survive the battle. I don’t find myself in that position (thanks be to You). But I am often in need of help, and I have many options: friends, family, therapist, manuals, substances, YouTube. Some are good options, but they are options with limits. With You, there are no limits to what You are able to do. Your Spirit has taught me to choose the limitless option. But I am a child who is still learning NOT to say, “I can do it myself!”
Forgive me
“Help me, Lord,” are three heavy words, loaded with power. Forgive me when I don’t use them more. Forgive me when I don’t use them first.
Prayer for others
Lord, today I pray for those burdened with addiction. I know so many whose bodies are craving substances that will ultimately destroy them. They are desperate for help. The enemy is at the gate, and they are powerless. I pray they will look heavenward and find their true source of help: You, their Maker.
Thank You
Thank You for being a God who helps. You aren’t above getting Your hands dirty, carrying others’ burdens, keeping vigil. I know this is true because it’s what You did, Jesus, during Your years on earth. You do it still.
More praise
There’s a big advantage to getting help from the Maker of Heaven and Earth: You eagerly provide help based on everything You know about me: my thoughts, my memories, my regrets, my weaknesses, my past, and my future. All I have to do is ask.
