Jul. 07, 2024
Have you ever heard someone say, “God helps those who help themselves”?
The belief that “God helps those who help themselves” feeds an unhealthy mindset that we alone are responsible for our happiness, security, and well-being.
Many have attributed its origin to Benjamin Franklin but the roots of this idea go all the way back to ancient Greece. Though it has ancient origins, the actual English version of this quote we use today was first penned by Algernon Sydney, an English politician who lived in the 1600s.
The belief that “God helps those who help themselves” feeds an unhealthy mindset that we alone are responsible for our happiness, security, and well-being.
Many have attributed its origin to Benjamin Franklin but the roots of this idea go all the way back to ancient Greece. Though it has ancient origins, the actual English version of this quote we use today was first penned by Algernon Sydney, an English politician who lived in the 1600s.
Why Does This Quote Pose a Problem?
The problem with this idea is that you become your first source of help and strength. God is secondary. Not only is this out of order, but you will also discover from the pages of Scripture that this was never God’s intent.
Modern culture—idolizes self-sufficiency.
One of the greatest dangers is the tendency to believe that, when push comes to shove, the only one you can depend on is yourself.
Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:25–33 directly oppose this; Jesus reminds us that we are best served when we seek God first in our lives rather than the comforts and securities that we spend so much of our time running after.
The problem with this idea is that you become your first source of help and strength. God is secondary. Not only is this out of order, but you will also discover from the pages of Scripture that this was never God’s intent.
Modern culture—idolizes self-sufficiency.
One of the greatest dangers is the tendency to believe that, when push comes to shove, the only one you can depend on is yourself.
Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:25–33 directly oppose this; Jesus reminds us that we are best served when we seek God first in our lives rather than the comforts and securities that we spend so much of our time running after.
How Does God’s Help Work?
The interesting thing about God is that he will help you if you ask him. We see this in Revelation 3 where Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks.
God gives you the choice to either accept or reject his help.
For those who reject it you will find yourself lost in the struggle of trying. Trying to do better. Trying to live better. You will fight to try to help yourself and often find your strength alone is lacking.
For those who choose to accept God’s help you will discover there is power, strength, and grace to help you with every situation in life.
In Matthew 6:32, Jesus teaches us that we have a loving Father who knows each of our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs and who considers it a joy to provide for them.
In Hebrews 4:15–16 we are reminded that “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The interesting thing about God is that he will help you if you ask him. We see this in Revelation 3 where Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks.
God gives you the choice to either accept or reject his help.
For those who reject it you will find yourself lost in the struggle of trying. Trying to do better. Trying to live better. You will fight to try to help yourself and often find your strength alone is lacking.
For those who choose to accept God’s help you will discover there is power, strength, and grace to help you with every situation in life.
In Matthew 6:32, Jesus teaches us that we have a loving Father who knows each of our physical, spiritual, and emotional needs and who considers it a joy to provide for them.
In Hebrews 4:15–16 we are reminded that “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
What you couldn’t do (which is help yourself) God did for you.
The beauty of how God works in our lives is that he doesn’t require us to try to clean it up or fix it ourselves. He invites us to bring him into the situation from the very beginning, just the way it is.
Before you try to do it yourself, bring it to God first.
That’s the way salvation works, but that’s also how your walk with Christ works.
The beauty of how God works in our lives is that he doesn’t require us to try to clean it up or fix it ourselves. He invites us to bring him into the situation from the very beginning, just the way it is.
Before you try to do it yourself, bring it to God first.
That’s the way salvation works, but that’s also how your walk with Christ works.
How do I apply this?
God calls us to seek him first, trusting that he will provide for us.
Trusting God, we find the rest, security, comfort, and healthy community that our hearts crave.
It's vital to remember that even if our dreams never come to pass:
· God is still good
· God is still in control
· God still cares for every one of our needs.
The more helpless you realize you are, the more God steps in to help you.
God calls us to seek him first, trusting that he will provide for us.
Trusting God, we find the rest, security, comfort, and healthy community that our hearts crave.
It's vital to remember that even if our dreams never come to pass:
· God is still good
· God is still in control
· God still cares for every one of our needs.
The more helpless you realize you are, the more God steps in to help you.
Final thoughts:
The reality isn’t that God helps those who help themselves but that God helps those who realize they can’t help themselves.
Our lives are not about self-help which looks inward. Our lives are about God-help which looks upward.
When we seek God first in our lives and take the time to discover his best for us, all our other priorities and concerns fall into their proper place.
We no longer have to strive for perfection and security in our own strength.
We can find healing and rest from our past hurts.
We can learn to walk/do life with other believers whom we can learn to trust to help us carry our burdens and our griefs.
Power Text: (Hebrews 4:16)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
The reality isn’t that God helps those who help themselves but that God helps those who realize they can’t help themselves.
Our lives are not about self-help which looks inward. Our lives are about God-help which looks upward.
When we seek God first in our lives and take the time to discover his best for us, all our other priorities and concerns fall into their proper place.
We no longer have to strive for perfection and security in our own strength.
We can find healing and rest from our past hurts.
We can learn to walk/do life with other believers whom we can learn to trust to help us carry our burdens and our griefs.
Power Text: (Hebrews 4:16)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Live Steaming
Groups
