A Day-by-day devotional

January 21, 2023

Your Help

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 36-38

Scripture of the Day: Psalm 121

For my generation and where I was born, it is typical to grow up having a helper in the house, as well as a nanny. Having a household helper is very convenient. They are the ones that take care doing most of the chores at home. They clean the house, cook meals and do the laundry. Meanwhile, the nanny takes care of you as a child, tending to your personal needs, while your parents are away for work.

Since I grew up in this set-up and became used to it, my first year living abroad as a foreign student was very challenging. I had to do all the household chores by myself – cleaning, cooking, washing the dishes, grocery shopping, doing the laundry. All those, on top of slaving my way through studies. What used to be normal felt so much like a luxury – having someone to help with the chores, lightening up my burdens and cares.

In life, there would be people that help us go through challenges and difficulties. However, we only have one ultimate source of help. As the Psalmist mentioned, his help comes from the Lord. The Lord doesn’t slumber nor sleep. His help is all-around. Just like how the household helper and the nanny assist with the chores and taking care of the kids, respectively, God takes up our burdens and cares. His assistance is always readily available. All we need to do is ask.

Similar to how I have felt a bit at a loss and helpless during my first year living alone in a foreign land, not having God to help us would be rather arduous. However, we could only be out of help if we do not ask and allow Him to help us. The Lord watches over us unceasingly. He is aware of what is going on in each of our lives. Nonetheless, we should go to Him with all humility, acknowledging our helplessness, and ask for His help. This ought to be so, for our help comes from Him!

Reflection: A lot of times, we think that just because God knows our needs, that He should automatically help us. We do not bother to approach Him and seek His help. We need to go before His throne and lay down our needs before His feet. This act of humility is a way to first of all admit to ourselves that without God, we can’t do anything. Secondly, it is an act of surrender, acknowledging God as Lord over us.

Prayer: Dear God, I really need your help everyday of my life. It is my pride that gets in the way of me acknowledging this. Please forgive me. Help me to become humble and accept that without you I cannot do anything. Amen.