14. Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Devotional: The Lord Helped Me

Author: James Smith (1802-1862)

The Lord helped me. (Ps. 118:13)

    IF he had not, what would have become of me? Can we not bear this testimony this morning, "The Lord helped me." Yes, before I knew his name, before I sought his face, before I ventured my soul on the finished work of his beloved Son, he helped me. But since that happy period, in how many instances, in how many ways, by what a variety of instruments, has he helped me. If he had not, conviction would have driven me to despair; Satan would have led me captive at his will; inbred lusts would have gained the ascendency; my circumstances would have overbalanced me; and I had this day been a disgrace to religion, or have been shut up in hell. But he said, "I will help thee." And I have ever found him "a very present help in trouble." Here I lift up my Ebenezer, and, to the honour of his faithful love, say, "Hitherto the Lord hath helped me." Surely then I may with confidence conclude, that he will help me in time to come, and exclaim as David did, "Behold, God is mine helper: The Lord is with them that uphold my soul," (Ps. 54:4) Or rejoice and say, "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."

My help is in the Lord; 
In danger he is near: 
He wears an all-victorious sword,
And will for me appear.