Where Does My Help Come From?

A long time ago, and in a galaxy that seems far, far away but really isn’t, I edited a children’s newsletter for my church, and began writing a column called “Words of Encouragement.” This column is where my blog began, and I came across the following words which I had written in October of 2010.

In these last few weeks, I have learned something surprising about myself—I am an optimist. That roaring sound you hear is the disbelieving laughter from those who know me best, and yet, I have found this statement to be true. Despite all the ways I have been repeatedly hurt and disappointed by the world, I continue to  place my trust in the people who inhabit that world.

     After many hours of wrestling with myself, I have reached the conclusion that I bear some of the burden for many of my own hurts. I want to avoid a “blame the victim” approach here—I am not saying victims should be held accountable for crimes committed against them— but I have realized that I can’t keep acting the same way and expecting different results. In some circles, that statement is the very definition of insanity.

     History shows us that people, although often capable of great empathy and compassion, can be unreliable, selfish and hostile. Why then do we place our trust in them? I challenge you to find a scripture that advises us to do this (I’ll buy you lunch if you find one.) Instead, what we’ll find is a large number of verses that tell us to place our trust, our hope, and our very lives in the hands of God. Our heavenly Father is always trustworthy, always just, and always loving, even when people are not.

     The next time you feel like it’s you against the world, I hope you will remember these words from John 16:33, spoken by Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

I’d like to say that this post is no longer accurate, but I think it’s probably even more accurate than it was the day I wrote it. I don’t think people have changed and have become more unreliable, selfish, and hostile than before, but we live in a current culture that seems to celebrate these things and even encourages us to be at war with our fellow citizens.  The good news is that, even though people will hurt us, hate us, and put us down,  our help does not come from people, but from God. God may use people to supply our help, but the help itself comes from God.

Thank you, Lord, for being our helper, our adviser, and our protector in this troubled world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.