When I Need Assistance Or Get Tempted, God Wants to Help

In review of Psalm 50:15 it says, “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me”

Bottom Line:

Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me.

What this means to me:

God tells me that I can call on him when I’m in trouble, and He will rescue me, and I will give him glory for his work in my life.

Today's passage comes from the middle of Psalm 50. In this God is telling us that he does not need my offerings, everything belongs to him anyway. What he wants is my heart. When I provide my offerings and service to him, he wants me to do so in thankfulness and to keep my commitment to him. When trouble comes, I can call on him and he will rescue me and I will give him all the glory.

This verse reminds me that God is ready to help me when I need it. He says I’m to pray, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” That is an example of a prayer of deliverance. I ask God for help.

The prayer of deliverance can often be just one word: Help! It doesn’t have to be “Our gracious heavenly Father …”.  When I come to the prayer of deliverance, I can do a microwave prayer: “Help! Keep my eyes straight. I don’t like this person. I do not like the way my relative treats me, and I’m going to see him today. Oh, God! You’ve got to help me!  I really need your help today, because everything in me just wants to slug them!”

Scripture is full of examples of people who’ve prayed for deliverance, such as David, Daniel, Peter, and Paul. God will provide assistance for anybody who asks.

Why can I expect God to help me when I pray the prayer of deliverance? Because God has promised it. Psalm 50:15 says, “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (NIV). God says I don’t have to have a long conversation. I can just say, “Help! Mayday! SOS! God, I’m facing something now that willpower won’t help me get through.”

What I’m learning is that God will be sympathetic to my situation. He knows everything that’s going on in my life. He knows how irritating those people are. He knows the things that tempt me. In fact, look at this verse: “Jesus understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NLT).

He says Jesus understands. He sympathetic because he faced the same temptation.

Jesus was tempted to get angry, to have self pity. The Bible tells me he was tempted in all the ways I am, yet he did not sin. That’s the difference. He never gave in. He had the freedom to choose.

But even better is the fact that he never sinned. What does that mean? He can help you overcome. So the Bible says, “Come boldly to God.” Come and say, “I need your help!” God isn’t ticked with you when you get tempted. He’s not going to scold you when you’re tempted. He says, “I’m here to help.”

I could have benefited from this verse yesterday as something to meditate on, as myself and my team were faced with a large technical problem that had us under pressure. I do remember reaching out for God early in the situation and saying a quick “help”, but I also realize that after the problem was solved (after some very long agonizing hours) I didn’t immediately think to recognize, thank Him and give him glory for his work to help us. It wasn’t until this morning as I was getting ready that I thought of this and thanked him.

I think I’d like to add this as a verse to memorize so that I can bring it up when trouble comes. “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15 NIV).

The Freedom of the Cross

In review of Romans 6:6 it says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us”

Bottom Line:

We know that our old selves were nailed to the cross with Jesus. This was done, so that we would no longer be slaves of sin.

What this means to me:

I know that my old sinful self was crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power over my life. I am no longer a slave to sin.

Today’s verse from Romans 6:6 says, “We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross so that our sinful selves would have no power over us” (NCV). But what does “our sinful selves would have no power over us” mean? I’ve learned that It means that my natural inherent inclination is to do the wrong thing.

My natural inclination when I’m hurt is to hurt back. My natural inclination when someone says something bad against me is say something bad against them and hold on to it and never forgive. And, all of the things that I’m naturally inclined to do actually make it worse.

But I can break that bondage to bitterness, that bondage to guilt, that bondage to resentment, that bondage to worry. I can keep from becoming slaves to the past and hurtful memories. I can choose to forgive.

The cross has the power to free me from grudges and grief and resentment. There is no other way to let go of these emotions weighing me down than the cross. Jesus on the cross broke the power of sin and death and bondage in my life.

What follows is a suggested prayer I got from Rick Warren to use when I need to forgive a person whose offense has planted a seed of bitterness in me:

“Father, only you understand how much I’ve been hurt by this person. I don’t want to carry the pain for another second. I don’t want to be a bitter person. But I need your grace and the power of the cross to release my hurt and to forgive those who’ve hurt me. This is the turning point. First, I need to experience your forgiveness. You know all the ways I’ve hurt others, and I’m so sorry for my sins. Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I accept your grace and forgiveness, and I need it daily. Today I’m turning to you, and I’m choosing to forgive the way you have forgiven me. Every time the memory comes back, I’ll forgive that person again until the pain is gone. Heal my heart with your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Choosing Grace, Not Bitterness

In review of Hebrews 12:15 it says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many”

Bottom Line:

Look out for each others so that none of us fails to receive God’s grace. Watch out so that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble or corrupt.

What this means to me:

Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessings. Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.

Today's passage comes from the 2nd half of Hebrews chapter 12. In it Paul talks of our call to listen to God.  Within that call we are to work at living in peace with a holy (set apart for special purpose) life. We are to look out for each other so that none of us fails to receive the grace of God. We are to watch out so that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble and corrupt us.

This means that if I’m still holding on to resentment, then I’m letting someone is control me. If I was to say, “You make me so mad”? What I’d be admitting at that point is, “You are controlling me.” What I’m learning is that the only way I get this type of person out of my mind and heart is to heal it with grace; God’s grace.

Today’s passage in Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many” (NIV).

A bitter person can poison surrounding relationships. Unfortunately bitterness is contagious, and it can actually become generational. Somebody has to break the chain, and it better be me. There’s only one way to break it: Heal it with grace.

If someone is missing out on God’s grace in their life, life makes them bitter. Bitterness tends to come because life isn’t fair. Sin is in the world and we live in a broken society. Life here on earth is not Heaven. As such evil people get away with evil things all the time. Life is just not fair.

Missing out on God’s grace is going to make you bitter.

Is forgiveness fair? Not in some senses, however it is not about fairness. It is not about justice. It’s about grace. I don’t forgive a person because it’s the fair thing to do. I forgive a person because it’s the right thing to do, and I don’t want my heart full of poison. I don’t want my heart to hold on to the hurt and the hate.

While forgiveness is free, it is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life. It cost God his Son. And as Jesus was dying on the cross, with his arms outstretched and the blood dripping down, he said, “Father, forgive them! They don’t know what they’re doing.” He was saying, “I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you.” He was saying, “They don’t deserve it. They don’t even know what they’re doing. But Father, forgive them.”

So as I’ve been studying, I am to leave justice to God. I am to heal any bitterness with his grace.

I think we live in world that thinks everything should be fair. When things aren’t fair, then usually some injustice is taking place. But I should keep in mind, it's not my job to retaliate in fairness. Jesus calls me to forgive and to let him bring ultimate justice.  Today, I’ll consider who I may be able to show grace to today, especially in situations that don’t seem fair.

Forgiveness vs. The Restoration of Trust

In review of Romans 12:19 it says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord”

Bottom Line:

Don’t try to get even. Let God take revenge. For he says, “I am the one to take revenge and pay them back.”

What this means to me:

I should not try to get revenge on my own, rather I should let God take revenge, for he has told me in His Word that he “is the one to take revenge and pay them back.”

Today's verse comes from Romans chapter 12 where Paul is explaining how to be a living sacrifice to God. Paul covers a lot of ground in this chapter and ends with how we are to never pay back evil with more evil. We are to do things in such a way that everyone can see we are honorable and living a peace with everyone. Therefore He tells us to never take revenge. We are to leave that to the righteous anger of God.

So in reality, who has a better arsenal to repay, me or God? Who can settle the score better, me or God? I think God! I have to choose whether I’m going to get back at someone or let God be the God of justice. So I need to learn to let God be the God of justice.

This brings me back to the subject of forgiveness from yesterday’s study. Forgiveness does not mean the instant restoration of trust. Forgiveness is instant. Trust is something that must be rebuilt over time. Forgiveness is based on grace. Trust is built on works. You earn trust. You don’t earn forgiveness.

I think a lot of people have problems with forgiveness, because they think if they forgive, then they’ve got to trust them again. However what I’m learning is that trust is a whole different issue. So forgiving someone does not mean I have to trust that person. That person still has to re-earn the trust.

Forgiveness and a restoration of a relationship are two different things. Forgiveness is only my part, whether they respond or not, whether they ask for it or not, whether they even recognize they need it or not. I forgive for my own sake. The restoration of a relationship takes far more than forgiveness. It takes repentance. It takes restitution and a rebuilding of trust.

So while many may think they can’t forgive because that would mean going back to the same old way. It’s not true. But I do have to leave it to God. So to release any hurt, I leave it to God.

Why I Should Forgive

In review of Matthew 18:27 it says, “The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go”

Bottom Line:

The king had pity, forgave the debt and let him go.

What this means to me:

Like the king in this story and like God our Father, I am to show pity on others who have sinned or offended me and forgive and release them from any debt I may feel is due.

Today's passage comes from the last part of Matthew chapter 18 in which Matthew recounts how Jesus responded to Peter with the Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor, when he asked how often should we forgive someone who sins against us.

Peter proposes what he thinks is a safe number, seven. However Jesus responds with seventy times seven.  He then goes on to compare the Kingdom of Heaven to king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed. One such debtor owed millions of dollars and he could pay. His master then ordered he be sold along with his family and everything he owned to pay the debt. But the man fell down before his master and begged him to be patient with him. The master released him and forgave his debt.  But then this same man who was forgiven found someone who owed his money and he demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down and begged for a little more time, but instead the man had him arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid.

When some of the other servants observed this, they were upset and told the king. The king called the servant in. I forgave you a tremendous debt because you pleaded, shouldn't you have shown the same mercy on your fellow servant. Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he could pay his debt. This is what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.

So God’s Word tells me why I have to let go of my hurt and resentment. I’ve got to release it instead of rehearsing it. There are three reasons I need to forgive.

First, because God forgives me. In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the story of a king who forgives his servant. Verse 27 says, “The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go” (NIV). Just as the king canceled the debt of this servant, God sent Jesus Christ to pay for my debt. Everything I’ve ever done wrong in my life has already been paid for. Jesus took my rap. He paid my jail time. He took my offense and paid the wages of sin. Jesus Christ died for all of my sins.

Secondly, because resentment is self-torture. It is a self-inflicted wound. Whenever I’m resentful, it always hurts me more than the person I’m bitter against. In fact, while I’m still worrying about something that happened years ago, the other person has forgotten about it! My past is past, and it can’t hurt me any more unless I hold on to it.

Lastly, because I need forgiveness every day. The Bible teaches very clearly that I cannot receive what I’m unwilling to give. To be forgiven, I need to be forgiving.

Forgiveness is a lifestyle. It’s not just something I do one time. I need it every day of my life. I’ve got to ask for forgiveness. I’ve got to accept forgiveness from God and from others. And I’ve got to offer forgiveness. Forgiveness must be continual. It must be enjoyed, and it must be employed.

As I consider if there is anyone in my life that I have not forgiven, this notion came to mind. I had volunteered a skill set I have.  So far I have only been asked a few times to be of use with it. I had been somewhat holding onto to some internal bitterness regarding them not asking me more to use it. I speculate that it’s because they have a lot of talent already and don’t really need the help. I should just purpose to find out for sure if it’s this or that they don’t think my skill is what they need.  This way I won’t end up harboring any resentment or bitterness.  

Learning That Revealing Is the Beginning of Healing

In review of James 5:16a it says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed”

Bottom Line:

Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. Prayer is powerful and effective.

What this means to me:

I am to admit my faults to others close to me and we are to pray for each other so that we may be healed. Prayer is powerful and effective, it can help out a lot

Today's passage comes from the last part of James chapter 5. James is telling us of the power of prayer.  He says, if we are suffering hardships, we should pray. If we are happy we should sing praises. If we are sick, we should call upon the elders and others to pray for us. We should confess our sins to each other and pray for each other to be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

The first part of this verse emphasizes confession to others, thus revealing my feelings is the beginning of healing.

This verse reminds me, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16a NIV). Being forgiven is one thing (and the first step), but being emotionally healed is something different.

If I just want to be forgiven, I just confess my sin to God. But if I want to get over this and get on with my life, I need emotional healing. That means I need to tell somebody else.

So why would God want me to drag somebody else into this?” I think it's because God knows that the root of my problem is relational. I don’t even realize that. My messed-up relationships with other people are the root of my problems.

If I don’t have one person in my life that I can be completely honest with, I’ll end up wearing a mask. I pretend and fake it, thus being dishonest with each other and playing games like a  hypocrite. I pretend that I have it all together, when everybody knows I don’t. I act like it’s all right when it’s not.

What does that do? It isolates me from other people. It prevents intimacy. And it keeps me from the deepest level of love. I cannot love fully with guilt in my heart.

I’m only as sick as my secrets. The fact is, the more I hide, the sicker i get. On the other hand, revealing my feeling is the beginning of healing. When I find someone that I can trust and who listens to and shares with me, I’ll actually find out that they’ve got big problems, too and it could even be the the same as mine.

This past weekend, my pastor was speaking about this verse. Seems there is something about telling another person that uncorks the pressure valve. When I let the boogeyman out of the closet, all of a sudden, the boogeyman isn’t so big any more.

In order to obtain healing, I’ve got to stop concealing. The very thing that I don’t want anybody to know about, that’s the area where God wants to give me the most grace, mercy, and healing.

Given this, it seems my next hurdle would be to find someone that I can meet with and confide in, perhaps one that would trust me to do the same for them.

Just As If I’d Never Sinned

In review of Hebrews 4:16 it says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most”

Bottom Line:

Mercy and grace are found at the throne of our gracious God. We can come to him boldly for the help we need.

What this means to me:

I can come boldly to the throne of my gracious God. When I come to him I can be assured of receiving his mercy and grace that I need.

Today's verse comes from the last part of Hebrews chapter four. In this Paul is explaining that since Christ is our high priest who has entered heaven, we can hold firmly to what we believe. Christ understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet did not sin. Given this, we can come boldly to the throne of our gracious God, receive his mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most.

Paul assures us that we can come boldly, we don’t need to be hesitant or shy about approaching God for forgiveness. Today’s verse says, “Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT). Paul is saying that at the throne of grace, I will not find scolding, punishment, or rejection. When I go to God with my sin, I receive his mercy, and I find his grace.

His mercy is forgiveness for all the things I’ve done in the past. His grace is the power to change in the future. And I need both. Mercy for all the things I’ve done wrong in the past (forgiveness). And grace, the power to change, in the future. God says that when I come to him with honesty and humility, I will receive his forgiveness.

Forgiveness doesn’t come by:

Begging God. He wants to forgive me more than I want to be forgiven. I won’t have to beg.

Bargaining with God. I won’t need to bargain or bribe. “God, I’ll never do it again! I’ll live this kind of life. I’ll tithe 20 percent.” I don’t bargain, bribe or beg.

Forgiveness comes by just believing. Believing in God’s promise in Hebrews 4:16. I do it by confessing. Confession is not saying, “God, I’ll never do it again.” It’s saying, “You’re right, God. It was wrong. I was wrong.”

The Bible says in Romans 5:1, “Since we have been justified (that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God) by faith, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God ... through our Lord Jesus Christ” (AMP).

Justified in this sense means, “just as if I’d never sinned.”  No matter what, God can wash my heart clean.