30 Jun July 18 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

THE LORD IS MY HELPER

Hebrews 13:6 “. . . we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’”

About 1/3 of the population of the United States is being treated for anxiety and depression.  Added to this group are the many others, who though not clinically being treated, experience worry and  fear on a fairly frequent basis.

Many years ago I came up with my definition for worry.  Worry is believing that God is incapable of taking care of me, my needs, my loved ones, and the world, so I need to take over responsibility for what is happening in my life and find a solution that will make things better.  In other words, worry is a First Commandment issue, isn’t it? Instead of putting all of my faith and trust in God, I put my faith and trust in myself, or money, the government, or education, or whatever it is that I believe will provide me with safety, security, and contentment.

How foolish.  You and I know deep down we are incapable of doing more than God.  We know so little and God knows all.  Most important, God has promised that He will be with us always and never leave us nor forsake us.  The Psalmist in Psalm 118:6-7 writes, “The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper.”

Some trust in themselves, others in their employer, and yet others in the government to provide all they need.  The Psalmist continues in verse 8-9, “. . .  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.”  When you confess your faith in the words of the Apostle’s Creed you are saying that you believe in “God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,” and you believe He will “richly and daily provide (you) with all that (you) need to support your body and life.” Luther’s Small Catechism)  The Lord is your helper.  You need never be afraid.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, daily strengthen my faith in my heavenly Father that I live confident in Him to help me in all my temporal and spiritual needs.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

O God, my faithful God, True fountain ever flowing,

Without whom nothing is, All perfect gifts bestowing:

Give me a healthy frame, And may I have within

A conscience free from blame, A soul unstained by sin.

Grant me the strength to do With ready heart and willing

Whatever You command, My calling here fulfilling;

That I do what I should While trusting You to bless

The outcome for my good, For You must give success.

Keep me from saying words That later need recalling; Guard me lest idle speech May from my lips be falling;

But when within my place I must and ought to speak,

Then to my words give grace Lest I offend the weak.

Lord, let me win my foes With kindly words and actions,

And let me find good friends For counsel and correction.

Help me, as You have taught, To love both great and small

And by Your spirit’s might to live in peace with all.

Let me depart this life Confiding in My Savior;

By grace receive my soul That it may live forever;

And let my body have  A quiet resting place

Within a Christian grave; And let it sleep in peace.

And on that final day When all the dead are waking,

Stretch out Your mighty hand, My deathly slumber breaking.

Then let me hear Your voice, Redeem this earthly frame,

And bid me to rejoice With those who love Your name.

(LSB 696)