Help In Time of Need

Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Acts 27:17 - Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

I discovered something this morning during my quiet time. Did you know that the words ‘help’ and ‘helps’ in these two verses are the same Greek word? And they are not the same word as all the other references to ‘help’ in the Bible.

The word ‘help’ used in these two verses is actually a nautical term that is used to describe the cables that the sailors wrapped around the hull of a ship during a storm so that the ship would not break apart.

I love that the word ‘help’ in Hebrews is the very same word. When our lives are wrecked by storms and we are tossed to and fro and we feel like we are at breaking point, God wraps His tender mercy around us and gives grace to help in our time of need.

Just like the cables used to hold the ship together, God sends His mercy and grace to hold us together and keep us afloat. He gathers us up in His everlasting arms, whispering words of comfort, wiping away our tears He brings the help we so desperately need.

We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace and find the help we need. What a blessing it is to know that we can come boldly to the throne. We don’t need to be intimidated by what in ancient times was considered a forbidding place of sovereign authority and judgment. No, we are able to approach the throne boldly, with fearless confidence knowing that we will be welcomed by our Saviour. As His children we have access at any time.

We read in Lamentations that God’s mercies are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 - It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

God is faithful and compassionate, and it is because of His mercy that we are not totally exhausted, spent or finished. We’re not consumed because of His unfailing mercy and grace toward us.

We can rest in Him, knowing that He will uphold us and be with us through each and every trial. Walking beside us, lighting the path before us, guiding each faltering footstep. Carrying us when we are too weak to stand.

If you are facing a trial today, remember God is with you and He is beckoning you to come to Him and receive grace and mercy. He will not fail you. You can fall at His feet and lay all your hurts, your tears, your anxieties, your fears and your burdens down. They were never meant to be carried by you.

Yesterday is too heavy. Lay it down. Today is too difficult. Lay it down. Tomorrow is too unknown and fearful. Lay it down. Give it to the Lord.

Come boldly to the throne of grace and let Him gather you in His arms and give you rest and peace.

Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.