DIVINE HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

DIVINE HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 46:1

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10, Hebrews 4:16, 2 Chronicles 14:11, Psalm 121:1-2

INTRODUCTION:
Life is filled with seasons of trials, uncertainties, and storms. No one is immune to trouble, whether spiritual, financial, emotional, or physical. In these seasons, our greatest need is not human assistance but divine help. God's help transcends human limitations and shows up when all other sources fail.

The Bible assures us that God is a “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). This means He is not distant or indifferent. He is ready to step into our situations with power and grace. Trusting in divine help means we lean not on our understanding but on God’s promises and ability to deliver.

Our study today explores the dynamics of divine help—how it manifests, what triggers it, and how to align ourselves to receive it in our times of need.

1. GOD IS OUR CONSTANT SOURCE OF HELP

a) God is ever-present in our trials (Psalm 46:1)
He is not far away; He is right there when we call upon Him.

b) Human help is limited, but divine help is limitless (Psalm 60:11)
Man may fail or abandon, but God is unfailing.

c) God watches over us continuously (Psalm 121:4-5)
He neither slumbers nor sleeps; His help is uninterrupted.

d) God’s help is rooted in His covenant love (Isaiah 41:13)
He helps us because of His loving commitment to us.

Biblical Example: King Asa sought divine help in battle (2 Chronicles 14:11)
Asa recognised that victory comes from the Lord and not by numbers.

2. HOW TO ACCESS DIVINE HELP

a) Call upon God in faith and humility (Psalm 50:15)
Help is guaranteed when we call sincerely and trust Him.

b) Maintain a consistent walk with God (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Divine help flows naturally to those who walk in alignment with God.

c) Be sensitive to divine instruction (2 Kings 4:1-7)
Sometimes divine help comes through unusual instructions.

d) Avoid alternatives that dishonour God (Isaiah 31:1)
Seeking help from Egypt (the world) is rejecting divine help.

Biblical Example: Jehoshaphat received help through worship (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)
His trust and praise opened the heavens for divine intervention.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE HELP

a) It is timely and never late (Habakkuk 2:3)
God's help arrives at the exact moment it is most needed.

b) It is supernatural and undeniable (Exodus 14:21-31)
Divine help defies natural laws to bring deliverance.

c) It brings glory to God alone (John 11:4)
When God helps, He ensures the glory is not shared with man.

d) It silences the enemy and strengthens the believer (Psalm 118:13-14)
The enemy’s assault is halted, and faith is reinforced.

Biblical Example: Daniel in the lion’s den received divine help (Daniel 6:22)
God shut the lions’ mouths, delivering Daniel without injury.

4. HINDRANCES TO DIVINE HELP

a) Unconfessed sin breaks divine connection (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Sin is a barrier to receiving help from above.

b) Doubt and unbelief restrict divine action (James 1:6-7)
Without faith, it’s impossible to receive from God.

c) Pride resists God’s help (James 4:6)
The proud rely on self, but God helps the humble.

d) Ingratitude blocks future help (Luke 17:17-18)
When we forget to thank God for past help, we miss future help.

Biblical Example: King Saul lost divine help due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Saul’s rebellion led to divine rejection and loss of help.

5. BENEFITS OF DIVINE HELP

a) Brings peace in the midst of storms (Philippians 4:7)
God’s help calms anxiety and confusion.

b) Lifts burdens and yokes (Matthew 11:28-30)
His help brings rest and refreshment to our souls.

c) Opens closed doors (Revelation 3:7-8)
Divine help makes a way where there seems to be none.

d) Promotes and establishes destiny (Psalm 75:6-7)
Without divine help, there’s no true elevation.

Biblical Example: The lame man at the Beautiful Gate received divine help (Acts 3:1-8)
His life was transformed in a moment by divine intervention.

CONCLUSION:
In a world where challenges abound, divine help is our lifeline. No matter the nature or size of the trouble, God is able and willing to help those who trust in Him. His help brings transformation, deliverance, and testimonies.

We must position ourselves by faith, obedience, and humility to receive His help. God is never late, and His help is always the best. As we lift our eyes to the hills, our help shall come from the Lord.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I receive Your divine help in every area of my life.
2. Father, in my times of trouble, arise and defend me.
3. O Lord, let every barrier to divine help in my life be broken.
4. I reject every alternative source of help outside of God.
5. My faith will not fail in the day of adversity.
6. Lord, deliver me from pride and teach me to depend on You.
7. By divine help, I receive victory over every battle I face.
8. Let my life attract Your supernatural intervention continually.
9. I receive the grace to walk in obedience and humility.
10. Father, make me a channel of divine help to others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You will never lack divine help in the day of trouble!
2. The Lord shall arise for you and fight your battles!
3. Every delay in your life is giving way to divine intervention!
4. From today, God’s help will be evident in all you do!
5. Where others are stranded, divine help will locate you!
6. You will not miss your moment of divine visitation!
7. The Lord will send destiny helpers your way this season!
8. No obstacle will be able to stop your advancement again!
9. You are stepping into a season of supernatural breakthroughs!
10. Your testimony will be that of divine help and victory!

DIVINE HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

DIVINE HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 21:1-9
"And the priest answered David and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women." – 1 Samuel 21:4 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 121:1-2, Hebrews 4:16, 2 Corinthians 12:9

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INTRODUCTION:

Life is filled with seasons of trials and distress, where we find ourselves seeking refuge and sustenance. In these moments, it is crucial to recognise that God always provides help, often in ways we least expect. David, the anointed future king of Israel, found himself fleeing from Saul, his life in danger despite God's promises over him. He arrived at Nob, weary and hungry, seeking sustenance from Ahimelech, the priest. This encounter teaches us that divine help is always available, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

God’s provision for David at Nob came in two forms—food and a weapon. The consecrated bread, usually reserved for priests, symbolised God’s provision beyond human limitations. It was a reminder that God’s resources are not bound by human traditions when His children are in need. Additionally, the sword of Goliath, which David had previously used in victory, was given back to him, signifying that past victories can be a source of strength for future battles.

This story reflects God’s unchanging nature as our refuge in times of distress. Just as He provided for David, He is still in the business of sustaining and equipping His people. No matter how dire the situation appears, God's provision, strength, and equipping are always sufficient. Let us, therefore, trust in His divine help, knowing that He never forsakes His own.

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1. GOD USES PEOPLE TO HELP US IN CRISIS

• a) God places helpers along our path (1 Kings 17:9)
  God commanded a widow in Zarephath to sustain Elijah during the famine.
• b) Divine connections are crucial in troubled times (Genesis 41:14)
  Joseph was remembered by the butler and connected to Pharaoh, leading to his elevation.
• c) Our help ultimately comes from God (Psalm 121:1-2)
  Though God uses men, He remains the ultimate source of provision.
• d) God’s provision often comes from unexpected sources (Exodus 16:4)
  The Israelites received manna from heaven when they least expected it.
• e) Biblical Example: Elijah and the ravens (1 Kings 17:6)
  God miraculously fed Elijah through ravens, showing that He always provides.

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2. GOD PROVIDES SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES

• a) The Bread of Presence strengthened David (1 Samuel 21:6)
  The holy bread served as sustenance in his time of distress.
• b) Physical and spiritual nourishment go hand in hand (Matthew 4:4)
  Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word from God.
• c) God renews the strength of the weary (Isaiah 40:29-31)
  Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength and not faint.
• d) His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
  God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge we face.
• e) Biblical Example: Angelic food for Elijah (1 Kings 19:5-8)
  An angel fed Elijah, strengthening him for a forty-day journey.

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3. GOD EQUIPS US FOR THE BATTLES AHEAD

• a) David received Goliath’s sword (1 Samuel 21:9)
  The same sword that signified his past victory was restored to him.
• b) Past victories prepare us for future battles (1 Samuel 17:37)
  David remembered how God helped him overcome the lion and the bear.
• c) God never leaves His people unarmed (Ephesians 6:10-17)
  The armour of God is provided for spiritual warfare.
• d) Divine preparation ensures future success (2 Timothy 2:21)
  God shapes us into vessels of honour for His purpose.
• e) Biblical Example: Gideon’s divine equipping (Judges 6:14-16)
  Despite his fears, Gideon was empowered by God for victory.

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CONCLUSION:

David’s experience at Nob is a reminder that God always provides, strengthens, and equips His children in times of distress. Whether it is through human helpers, supernatural sustenance, or past victories, God ensures that His people are never abandoned. Even when we are pursued by enemies, we must remain confident in God's ability to sustain us.

As believers, we should take comfort in the fact that God's help is ever-present. He knows what we need before we ask, and He makes provision even in the most unexpected ways. Let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that just as God sustained David, He will sustain us through every season of life.

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PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, send me divine helpers in my time of need.
2. Lord, strengthen me in moments of weakness and distress.
3. I receive supernatural provision for every season of my life.
4. Lord, equip me for every battle ahead and grant me victory.
5. I declare that I will not be stranded or forsaken in my journey.

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PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will not lack divine help in times of trouble.
2. The Lord will send you timely assistance when you need it most.
3. Your past victories will empower you for greater breakthroughs.
4. Every enemy pursuing your destiny will stumble and fall.
5. You will walk in divine provision, strength, and victory.