The Bible repeatedly tells us that God is our helper. The question is, do we really trust God to help us? It’s easy to respond right away that we trust Him, but when it comes to practically applying this truth to our everyday life—leaning on the Holy Spirit to help us in every area of our lives—we often struggle to do it.
As born-again believers in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit—God’s Spirit—lives in our spirit. In John 16:7, Jesus said that the Holy Spirit is our “Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby)” and that He wants “to be in close fellowship” with us (AMPC).
It’s so important for us to know that we can have a close, intimate relationship with the Holy Spirt, that He will communicate with us. I went to church for many years and had no idea that I could overcome my problems and live with real peace and joy because the Holy Spirit lived in my spirit. It was life-changing for me when I got the revelation that He wanted to lead me in God’s will for my life and He would enable me to do everything I needed to do.
The truth is if we really believe God is our helper and He’s willing to help us no matter what situation we’re in, then we have no reason to worry or get overwhelmed.
I’ll let you in on another secret: You need to ask God for help because the Holy Spirit is not the type to barge into your life and take over.
Have you ever had someone try to push their opinions or their agenda on you? They may or may not know what they’re talking about, and they may not even be really interested in helping you do what needs to be done, but they sure have a lot to say about what you’re doing wrong!
That’s not what the Holy Spirit does.
The Holy Spirit knows the answer to every problem, and He will even help you through each one. But He won’t give you His advice unless you ask for it. In other words, the humble get the help.
Every Problem Matters to God
Jesus said in John 15:5 (NIV), “Apart from me you can do nothing.” And that’s so true. But did you know He’s not holding out on you? God actually likes it when we ask for His help. And God not only wants to help us with our big problems, He also wants to help us with the little things in life. That’s wonderful news because sometimes we allow the little things to get us frustrated and upset. One of the best ways to go through the day is to pray often, “Help me, Lord. Help me. Help me!”
In the Psalms, we frequently see King David going to God for help. For example, Psalm 40:13 (MEV) says, “Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!”
Notice that David was not only bold enough to ask God for help, but he was also confident that God would answer his prayers. We can learn from that too.
In Psalm 43:5, David says, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I will yet give Him thanks, the salvation of my countenance and my God” (MEV).
You and I have so many opportunities to feel sad or discouraged and have a bad attitude, but God wants us to stay strong in Him, like David did. Those who do will eventually come out on top, because there’s no way the enemy can hold you back if you will trust God and keep your hope in Him.
Learn How to Trust Your Helper
It’s comforting to know God will help you get through the hard times of life. His grace and strength will sustain you while you’re waiting for your breakthrough. Isaiah 41:10 says He will keep you strong and retain you with His victorious hand of rightness and justice (AMPC).
Even when you’re tempted to think, It’s not going to do me any good to pray after the way I’ve acted, don’t let that stop you from asking for God’s help. Because when you go to the Father in prayer, you don’t go in your name—you go in the name of Jesus.
Hebrews 4:16 (MEV) says “Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” And Psalm 23:3 (AMPC) says, “He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him―not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake” (emphasis mine).
When you’re hurting, in trouble, or waiting for answers in your life, you need to believe that your Helper, the Holy Spirit is with you and He wants to help you. Stay in close fellowship with Him and ask Him for the help you need.
No matter what the circumstances may look like, believe He’s working on your behalf. He is your Comforter, Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby—He’s everything you need—and He’s just waiting for you to ask.
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc. She has authored nearly 100 books, including Battlefield of the Mind and The Mind Connection (Hachette). She hosts the Enjoying Everyday Life radio and TV programs, which air on hundreds of stations worldwide. For more information, visit www.joycemeyer.org.
