The Helping Heart


How blessed is he who considers the helpless; [Psalms 41:1a NASB]


There is an unbiblical cliché out there that indicates that God helps those who help themselves. As with most half truths, there is a part of it that rings true. One has to be open to new ideas. Humble enough to admit they are wrong. And willing to accept help from people and places that seem uncomfortable.

Even so, there is something that seems so wrong about that cliché. Something demeaning and condescending. The 'help themselves' phrase comes across as a cop out as it blames the one needing help and releases the criticizer from responsibility. In reality God only helps them who are helpless.

Helping the helpless embraces such a nobility of heart. It is often not logical. I can always think of reasons not to help. It may sometimes seem foolish. Yet there is something that cries out from out hearts that says yes to those needing "our" help. In truth God normally helps the helpless through us.

Open our eyes Lord that we may see those who need your help. Mobilize us to help the helpless.


... this devotion is part of a series about King David.

No comments:

Post a Comment

I love to get comments and usually respond. So come back to see my reply.
You can click here to see my comment policy.