Behold, God is my helper; the LORD is the sustainer of my soul. Psalm 54:4.
Today your LORD (יהוה) God (אלהים) says.
I am the LORD your helper. You have a partner for everything you do in your life, not just now but forever. You never have to do anything on your own. I am there. YHWH Shammah. The promise of My presence. The LORD is there.
And I know everything. And that is the best partner.
But better than a partner, I am your Father and fathers care for their children.
Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! Matthew 7:9-11.
And knowing this, I mean really sinking into it and resting in it, will renew your youth to the carefree life of a little child who looks to his or her parents for provision, care, and help in every area of life.
“Truly I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3-4.
Think back to life as a very little child. You had no worries about money, about time management, about productivity charts, about getting to appointments made for you, about work assignments, about doing the wash or cooking the meals, about going to buy groceries or any other supplies at the store. Your parents took care of all of that. You just went along with your parents and had a good time. And often they would take you for treats and on trips to exciting places. And they did all the preparations of where to stay and what to take, including all the packing for the trip. They made all the arrangements while you just went along and enjoyed yourself.
And that was your life, one of carefree joy as you played while your parents worked and made all the preparations for your life. You played, dreamed, sang, and danced. And everything was new and exciting every day.
But as you become an adult, things change and the responsibilities begin to rest more and more on you. And for some this is a harder transition than others. Suddenly everything that was so carefree and joyful becomes areas of anxiety and often seem beyond resolution.
And yet as a child you did not feel that way. No matter what came your way, all you did was run into your father’s and mother’s arms and as they held and comforted you everything became a joy again. They would fix what you broke in your toys or around the house, take care of the problem at school, and care for all your wounds, ills, and bruises.
And I tell you the secret to have that joy again of a little child is to turn, change your direction, and become as little children. And how do you do that? Humble yourself like a child.
How is a child humble? He knows he is not his own source, but that does not upset him or make him a beggar. He knows his source is his parent. And all he has to do is ask, demand, and come with confidence to receive mercy and find grace just when he needs it.
Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16.
Know that I am your source and you will find the joy of the little child you once were. I take care of you. And to know that is humility.
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7.
That very clearly tells how you humble yourself like a child: You cast your cares on Me, as a child does his parents, and then you go forward rejoicing.
I hold out to you My everlasting arms. Come share My joy. I am your healer, your provider, your protector, your deliverer, your shepherd, your righteousness, but above and encompassing all of these I am your Father. And as such I am ever at your side, as a parent is with a little child, to help you and see to all your needs and desires.
And as any good parent, I delight in giving you what is good and I delight in answering every time you call and in sharing all I have with you. I delight in being constantly with you to see to your care and to enjoy life with you, like a parent with a little child.
And that should give you a joy that no one and nothing can take from you.
Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22.
As long as a child is conscious of the parent’s presence he is at peace.
I have set the LORD continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8.
And what did Jesus tell you about little children? Their mouths are full of joyful talk.
And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have perfected praise?” Matthew 21:16.
I have perfected praise in the mouths of babies. Have you ever listened to the joyful babble and songs of babies?
When Jesus spoke this He was quoting a song of David, the one who praised his way out from every problem and battle. And here is how David sang it:
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength because of Your adversaries, to make the enemy and the revengeful cease. Psalm 8:2.
Jesus showed you even a weak baby is strong to stop the advance of the enemy, to make your adversary cease. How? By praise. Joyful, carefree praise even in the midst of advancing enemies.
And death, sickness, lack, pain, stress, guilt, shame, depression, are all advancing enemies and adversaries to your youthful vigor and health. But I am your Father and I gave you Jesus who conquered the devil and sin in the flesh. And He suffered all that He did for you to take that all away from you for the joy that lay before Him.
My joy is your strength and it flows into you when you take the initiative and rejoice in praise when you are in trouble, pushing the trouble down by joyful praise out of your mouth. OUT OF THE MOUTHS. It has to come out, not just think about it, instead shout about it and watch the walls that trapped you fall.
And that opens the door of your heart to My grace and help in time of need. And indeed at all times, for sin is always waiting at your door but you can be its master. And the best way to master it is joyful praise for it not coming near you. Victory praise.
Satan can get no part of you, not even a toe hold, if you are rejoicing in the victory Jesus won and applying it in your life with grateful praise. He must flee from you for he sees you are not backing down but are kicking him out with praise of Me, the Most High.
And you are returning to being a little child in your heart, a suckling, pulling all you need out of Me. El Shaddai. I am more than enough. I qualify for I am able to do all things and nothing is impossible or too hard for Me. Nothing is too wonderful for Me. I am the God of wonders.
For thus says the LORD, “Behold, I extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you will be nursed, you will be carried on the hip and fondled on the knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:12-13.
And the result? Youth renewal and salvation from His enemies. And death is an enemy.
Then you will see this, and your heart will be glad, and your bones will flourish like the new grass; and the hand of the LORD will be made known to His servants but He will be indignant toward His enemies. Isaiah 66:14.
Little children with a good father, branches on a vine, sheep with a shepherd—I liken you to all these. What do they all have in common? They are never alone; they are all attached to the source that freely gives them all they need for everything. And they are all yours in Christ Jesus your Lord, who is with you always.
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7.
I am an ever present help in time of trouble. And knowing that will give you peace beyond understanding and joy unspeakable filled with glory. My glory. My goodness, My presence, and My power. All for you who are My children, My little flock, and My fruitful branches in Jesus.
I have given you Jesus, and I give you everything in Him.
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32.
In a trial, don’t wallow and fear and helplessness. You have a Helper! Rejoice in Me and watch My joy flood you and the flood will drown the enemy, just like I did at the Red Sea.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its perfect work, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.
I love you. I am your helper. You never have to do anything on your own. You are My child and I am your Father who strengthens you. And strength for you is My joy. Rejoice and receive joy. What you give you receive and more besides.
“This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:9-10.