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Scripture - Psalm 108:12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Introduction:
Greetings. Today let us turn to the wisdom of the Psalms, timeless songs that resonate with our struggles and our hopes to seek comfort and guidance in the face of our tribulations. In Psalm 108:12, we find a tender plea: "Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless." Let us explore into this plea, understanding its depth and drawing strength from its the promises of God.
Psalm 108 is a song of David, a warrior king who knew the perils of battle and the bitterness of human limitations. This Psalm is a composite, echoing parts of Psalms 57 and 60, suggesting its themes are both personal and collectively resonating through ages of conflict and despair. David is not merely seeking victory in battle; he seeks the assurance that God is with him when human efforts falter.
The Limitations of Human Effort
We often find ourselves relying on our strength or human resources to navigate life's challenges. Like David, we might have experienced moments when all human help seemed vain. Consider a traveler in the desert; his survival depends not just on his supplies but on the unpredictable desert climate. If a storm arises, no amount of human preparation can save him, only a power greater and mightier than his own can assist.
Imagine our own efforts as relying solely on a small flashlight to navigate a vast, dark forest at night. No matter how new or powerful the flashlight is, it can only illuminate a small path ahead and its batteries may eventually run out. In contrast, seeking God's help is like the forest being lit by the greater light. Just like the rising sun at dawn does not just light a small path, but the entire forest, revealing clear directions and paths of safety that were previously hidden in the darkness. This teaches us the necessity of relying not just on our limited tools but on the broader, unfailing light of God's guidance.
The Divine Call for Help
"Give us help from trouble." This is not just a request; it is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and power. When David asks for help, he is placing his trust not in chariots or horses, but in the Lord. Imagine a child trying to lift a heavy stone and his father is close by. His father, watching nearby, waits for the child to ask for help. The moment the request is made, the father gladly assists. Similarly, God awaits our call, ready to extend His powerful hand when we admit our need.
The Assurance of God's Help
Why turn to God? Because the Psalmist assures us that "the help of man is useless" in the ultimate sense. It's not that human effort is always ineffective; rather, it cannot compare to the efficacy of divine assistance. Also when help they can talk about it always but when God helps you He doesn’t talk about it. Let us consider a doctor treating a severe illness. While medicine can do much, there are cases where recovery seems beyond human reach, and we should turn our eyes to heaven, praying for a miracle. The ultimate healing comes from God, the divine physician.
Practical Steps to Seeking Divine Help
Prayer: Just as David did, we should continually seek God in prayer, not only in times of distress but as a regular practice.
Faith: Strengthen your faith through scripture and fellowship, believing in God’s promises.
Obedience: Live in a way that aligns with God’s commandments, showing that you trust in His guidance.
Conclusion
"Give us help from trouble, for the help of man is useless." Let this verse be a beacon for us, reminding us that when storms come, our greatest ally is not found on earth but in heaven. He is the most faithful and loving ally. His name is Jesus. Let us lift our eyes above the horizon of our troubles and place our hope in God, who delivers, who strengthens, and who saves.
As we close, I encourage each of you to reflect on the areas of your life where you've relied too heavily on human strength. Let us turn together to God, asking for His help and trusting in His mighty power to save us.
In Jeremiah 17:5-8 the bible says; 5 “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, And shall not see when good comes, But shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, In a salt land which is not inhabited. 7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Just as Jeremiah teaches, those who depend solely on human strength are like shrubs in the desert—stranded in barren solitude, unaffected by the possibility of rain. In stark contrast, those who place their trust in the Lord are like trees planted by nourishing streams. These trees do not fear the heat or the drought; their leaves remain vibrant and their boughs continue to bear fruit. Let this image guide us: to be deeply rooted not in the shifting sands of human capability, but by the life-giving waters of divine providence. Herein lies our peace, our strength, and our continual renewal. As we step forward from this place today, may we do so not as isolated shrubs, but as flourishing trees, deeply rooted in the trust of our unwavering God. Thank you!!!
May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba
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