Who Is the True Helper?

Psalm 108:12-13: "Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies."


Many of us, whenever we face a crisis introduced by an "enemy," are inclined to rush to our own devices to seek deliverance rather than seeking the LORD's guidance first. We believe that if we can control the situation through our own efforts, we can avert the "enemy" before us. Or we conclude that the remedies offered by the world are more resourceful for defeating our enemies.


When one reads Psalm 109, one finds that the "enemies" are those who open their mouths to speak lies against the ones they despise. They accuse with words of hatred and betray the friendship extended to them. These enemies are wicked and deceitful who scorn those that don't satisfy their hunger for preeminence.


Understanding this context, we find that our greatest "enemy" is the one who would attempt to destroy us if we are not catalytic in their pursuit for lordship. These enemies would attempt to establish themselves as supreme over all persons and things, including the One True Lord. They will use others for this insatiable craving for exaltation, and they will turn upon anyone who would thwart their intended purposes.


As we reflect upon our "enemies" we may find that the most formidable one might be the one staring back at us in the mirror. Do we wrestle within ourselves to be the lord of our own lives? This craving of course is something that we all have fought, for it is the root of sin . . . exalting "self" as supreme (see Genesis 3:4-6). Only through the initiatory, convicting power of the Holy Spirit coupled with a person's consequent resolve to dethrone himself will the sinner break free from tempting enticements for self-supremacy. Sadly, those who would perpetuate their lordship over the One True Lord will find themselves subjected to His eternal judgments.

If we find ourselves exalting ourselves as supreme, we would do well to seek the LORD for deliverance from this most formidable foe. God is gracious and just and will forgive us if we confess Him as the LORD of our lives. We must remember the most telling words shared in the passage above; "The help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory."