Distress, discouragement, disappointment, desperation, and disillusionment can distract us from God. They can deviate our focus from God and force us to employ carnal ways to handle life’s challenges. Instead of providing solutions to our problems, such human attempts may only increase worries and even jeopardize everything in our lives. But on the other hand, we can be sure that turning to God at times of difficulties for help, will surely result in positive results. Our thought for our reflection this morning is, “Our God is the Only Reliable Help at Times of Trouble”.
Then Jacob prayed, “… I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordon, but now I have become two groups. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children”
(Genesis 32:9-11)
Genesis 32:9 is the first place where we find Jacob recognizing God as one who was in total control of his situation because he addressed God using His special name, “Yahweh” which is translated in English as “Lord”: “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O Lord..”
1. Jacob’s reliance on God was due to Jacob's state of helplessness.
Jacob was really fearful and distressed as he approached Esau’s territory. His serious state of helplessness is revealed through his desperate statement,
“Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me”… Jacob’s frank admission of his fear of Esau was not just for himself but for his family members too"
(Genesis 32:11).
Thus this prayer of Jacob was nothing but an outpouring of a heart that was torn apart by worries and doubts. Are we currently in a state of helplessness but still struggling to rely on God for help?
2. Jacob’s reliance on God was based on God’s faithfulness in the past.
Jacob’s prayer to God was definitely prompted by fear of Esau too. Through that prayer, he also revealed his deep sense of gratitude to God and his realization of his own unworthiness of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness:
“I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant”
(Genesis 32:9).
Jacob recognized the fact that when he crossed Jordon he only had his staff and nothing else. But it was God who had later helped him to “become two groups.” If God has been so faithful and good to us all these years why are we finding it difficult to rely onHim now and for our future?
Just as to Jacob, God was the only hope, to us too, God is the only one on whom we can rely, and He alone would resolve our situations. Let’s pray:
“Dear Lord, I am what I am, all because of only your kindness and faithfulness. Because of your great love I am not consumed, for your compassions have never failed. You alone know my current helpless state and you are my only reliable help at all times of trouble. Trusting in you and you alone, I determine to continue with my life’s journey.
In Jesus’ name Amen!”