The Bible tells us that God helps especially those who can’t help themselves. He is a defender of the less endowed and marginalised, because the disadvantaged are on His heart. Jesus came for those who recognised their need for God and sought His forgiveness and mercy. Those who are poor in spirit are candidates for Christ’s true grace. It is only when we recognise our spiritual bankruptcy apart from Jesus that we can receive the right kind of help. And the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth searching for those who need and desire Him. The fact is millions of people go to bed hungry and die from diseases daily even in this modern age. Thousands of people each year are being persecuted and murdered for their faith. Their dire need is for food, medicine, comfort, vindication and most of all, Jesus.

Of course, there is also the need to minister to those who have been ravished by war, raw racism and abject poverty. They are waiting for someone to care. A little bit of warmth, a little bit of money, and a little bit of time can provide for the poor in ways most of us would take for granted. A few hundred dollars can build an indoor bathroom and kitchen in the slums or it can be seed money to start even a small business. A trolley can be purchased to transport fruits and vegetables to the market. God’s heart is to help the helpless. Therefore, pray for the poor and ask God to direct you to someone who could use your help. Grace is attracted to the needy. Love comforts and kindness cares; faith drives out fear, and humility tracks down the hurting and spends time nursing them. Compassion shows up with resources that improve the lives of the poor. So, help the helpless in the name of Jesus.

Conversely, we may find ourselves on the helpless half of the equation. It is true that we are all helpless to some extent at some point in our lives. We may feel helpless in our trying situation at work, with a family member, or in our physical condition. The good news is our helpless position is poised for God’s helpful position. Engage your heavenly Father in your helpless circumstance. Lean on His love and ask for His wisdom. God knows we cannot make it on our own. We may have thought we could make it without the help of God or other people. But rejection of help is not how God works. The Bible does say that it is more blessed to give than to receive. But that does not mean that we should only give and not receive!

Refusing help is refusing God’s provision. Indeed, we receive the help of heaven through others so we can help others get to heaven. Help is a gift that keeps on giving. Because someone believed in us and helped us, we desire to do the same for another. So, gain fresh perspective by looking to heaven for help. In your time of need, petition Him to provide in ways you have not thought of, and do not hesitate to ask others to help. When others are engaged in God’s agenda, they find fulfillment and great joy. Blessed are those who become helpers in the purposes of God. Be a giver and a receiver of help. Above all else, be helpful by giving help to the helpless. Help those who can’t help themselves.

The Bible says beautifully, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).