THE IMPORTANCE OF GOD'S HELP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 121:1-8
Key Verse: “My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” — Psalm 121:2, KJV
Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1; Psalm 54:4; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Chronicles 20:12; John 15:5; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 124:1-8.
Description
God's help is indispensable to the believer. Human ability, wisdom, finances, relationships, and experience all have limitations, but God's power is unlimited. This sermon examines why every believer needs God's help and what happens when we recognise our dependence upon Him.
INTRODUCTION
Life is filled with situations that remind us of our limitations. There are battles we cannot fight successfully by ourselves, decisions we cannot make wisely without divine direction, burdens we cannot carry with human strength, and doors that human effort cannot open. At such moments, we discover one of the greatest truths of Scripture: we need the help of God. The psalmist asked, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help?” and immediately answered, “My help cometh from the LORD.”
The importance of God's help is seen in the fact that human beings were never created to live independently of their Creator. We may possess education, experience, resources, influence, and relationships, but none of these can replace God. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains connected to the vine. In the same way, Jesus said, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Our dependence upon God is not weakness; it is wisdom.
Throughout Scripture, those who acknowledged their need for God experienced His intervention. Moses needed God to face Pharaoh. David needed God to defeat Goliath. Jehoshaphat needed God to defeat a mighty army. Esther needed God to save her people. The disciples needed Christ in the storm. Therefore, we must never underestimate the importance of divine help. When God helps a person, limitations become opportunities for His power to be revealed.
1. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE HUMAN STRENGTH IS LIMITED
No matter how capable we are, there are things we cannot accomplish without God.
a) Human Strength Can Fail (Psalm 33:16-17)
A powerful army cannot guarantee victory when God is not involved.
b) Human Wisdom Is Limited (Proverbs 14:12)
What appears right to man may ultimately lead in the wrong direction.
c) Human Resources Are Insufficient (Psalm 127:1)
Our labour becomes unproductive when God is excluded from our efforts.
d) God's Strength Is Unlimited (Isaiah 40:28-29)
God never becomes weary, and He gives strength to those who are weak.
Biblical Example: Moses (Exodus 3:10-12). Moses felt inadequate for the assignment before him, but God's presence became the difference between inability and accomplishment.
2. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT IN TIMES OF TROUBLE
Trouble is inevitable, but believers do not have to face trouble alone.
a) God Is A Present Help (Psalm 46:1)
God is available when His people need Him most.
b) God Helps In The Day Of Trouble (Psalm 50:15)
God invites His people to call upon Him when difficulties arise.
c) God Gives Strength In Affliction (Isaiah 41:10)
He promises to strengthen, help, and uphold His people.
d) God Brings Us Through The Fire (Isaiah 43:2)
His presence does not always prevent the trial, but it guarantees that we will not face it alone.
Biblical Example: The three Hebrew children (Daniel 3:16-27). God did not prevent them from entering the furnace, but He entered the furnace with them and brought them out safely.
3. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT FOR DIVINE DIRECTION
We need God's help because knowing what to do is sometimes more important than having the strength to do it.
a) God Directs Our Steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)
When we acknowledge Him, He makes our paths straight.
b) God Gives Wisdom (James 1:5)
When we lack wisdom, we can ask God confidently.
c) God Guides His Children (Psalm 32:8)
God promises to instruct and teach us in the way we should go.
d) God Prevents Wrong Decisions (Psalm 25:4-5)
Divine guidance protects us from choices that can damage our future.
Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 23:1-5). David repeatedly asked God whether he should act, demonstrating the importance of seeking divine direction before making decisions.
4. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT FOR VICTORY
There are battles where our strength is simply not enough.
a) God Fights For His People (2 Chronicles 20:15)
Jehoshaphat discovered that some battles belong to God.
b) God Gives Victory Over Giants (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
David's confidence was not in his weapons but in the Lord.
c) God Gives Victory Over Fear (Psalm 56:3-4)
Trust in God enables us to face intimidating circumstances.
d) God Makes Us More Than Conquerors (Romans 8:37)
Our victory is rooted in Christ's finished work.
Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:1-22). Judah was surrounded by a great army, but when they sought God, the Lord fought the battle for them.
5. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR PRESERVATION
God's help does not only give victory; it keeps us safe along the journey.
a) God Preserves Our Going Out And Coming In (Psalm 121:8)
His watchful care covers every aspect of our journey.
b) God Delivers From Evil (Psalm 121:7)
The Lord is able to preserve His people from destructive forces.
c) God Is Our Refuge (Psalm 91:1-2)
Those who dwell in God's presence find security under His protection.
d) God Keeps What Belongs To Him (2 Timothy 1:12)
Our confidence is in God's ability to preserve what we commit to Him.
Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:19-23). God preserved Daniel when he was thrown into the lions' den because of his faithfulness.
6. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT FOR FRUITFULNESS
Our productivity and lasting success ultimately depend upon God.
a) We Need Christ To Bear Fruit (John 15:5)
Jesus clearly stated that apart from Him we can do nothing.
b) God Gives Increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
Human beings may plant and water, but God gives the increase.
c) God Establishes Our Labour (Psalm 90:17)
We need God's favour to establish the work of our hands.
d) God Gives Grace For Greater Results (2 Corinthians 9:8)
God is able to provide abundant grace for every good work.
Biblical Example: Peter (Luke 5:1-11). After a night of unsuccessful labour, obedience to Jesus' instruction resulted in an extraordinary catch of fish.
7. GOD'S HELP IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT KEEPS US DEPENDENT ON HIM
God wants our confidence to remain in Him rather than in ourselves.
a) Trust God Above Yourself (Proverbs 3:5)
Complete dependence upon God is the pathway to divine direction.
b) Acknowledge Your Need For Him (John 15:5)
Recognising our dependence keeps us connected to Christ.
c) Seek God Before Acting (Psalm 37:5)
Commit your plans to Him and trust Him to bring them to pass.
d) Give God The Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Every success should ultimately point back to the One who helped us.
Biblical Example: Paul (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Paul learned that God's grace was sufficient and that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness.
CONCLUSION
The importance of God's help cannot be overstated. We need God when we are strong and when we are weak, when things are going well and when everything appears to be falling apart. We need Him for wisdom, direction, protection, provision, victory, fruitfulness, and preservation. Our greatest mistake is not admitting that we are weak; it is attempting to live as though we do not need God.
Therefore, make God your first source of help, not your last resort. Before you panic, pray. Before you make major decisions, seek Him. Before you surrender to fear, remember His promises. Before you conclude that a situation is impossible, ask the God who made heaven and earth to intervene. The person who has God as his Helper may face difficult battles, but he never faces them alone.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You because You are my ever-present help in every season of life, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me in every area where my human strength is insufficient, in Jesus name.
3. Father, give me divine wisdom and direction in every decision before me, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, arise and fight every battle that is beyond my ability, in Jesus name.
5. Father, preserve me and my household from every danger and evil, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, let Your grace establish the work of my hands and make me fruitful, in Jesus name.
7. Father, deliver me from relying on human strength and wisdom instead of depending upon You, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, send me timely help whenever I face difficult and overwhelming situations, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let Your presence accompany me in every journey, assignment, and responsibility, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, make Your help evident in my life and let everything You do for me bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. The Lord shall become your Helper in every area of your life.
2. Where human strength fails, divine strength shall sustain you.
3. The Lord shall give you wisdom for every difficult decision.
4. Every battle that is too great for you shall receive divine intervention.
5. The Lord shall preserve you and your household from evil.
6. Your labour shall not be in vain; God's grace shall establish the work of your hands.
7. The Lord shall send you timely help at the point of your need.
8. You shall not miss the divine direction necessary for the fulfilment of your destiny.
9. Your dependence upon God shall produce supernatural results in your life.
10. From this day forward, the help of God shall speak for you, strengthen you, guide you, defend you, preserve you, provide for you, and establish you in His purpose, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
