Helpless

Scripture:
I Chronicles 10:4 — “Saul said to his armor-bearer, ‘Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and abuse me.’ But his armor bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.” (NIV)

Observation:
Helplessness can happen to anyone. Here is the king of Israel, God’s people, the man chosen by the people to be their fearless leader. A man of great stature, a man who looked the part, a man with unlimited potential finds himself helpless. How does the King of Israel find himself find himself a million miles away from the God of his nation? How does a man who represents God’s chosen people get so far away from God’s heart? This moment is so sad. Suicide is a sad reality even today. It happens when people run out of options, it happens when someone is unaware of where their help comes from. Saul found himself helpless because he ran from where his help came from and fled into the arms of a medium, an empty alternative to the living God… sad, but a reality that exists today.

Application:
Helplessness comes when we seek help in empty options. If the king of Israel could miss out on intimacy with God, then surely I can. If he, surrounded by so much history, so many reminders, can miss the presence of God then surely I can. May God’s Word constantly remind me that He is where my help comes from. He is where I can find refuge. May my helpless moments drive me into His arms and not further from him. When I feel like there is no place to go may I be reminded that He is there. I am never helpless where He is.

Prayer:
Lord help me believe that you are where my help comes from. Help me remember that helplessness is only found apart from you. I pray today for those who are without hope…who feel out of options. Use me to help remind them you are always there.

— Jason Smith, student pastor, Madison/Ridgeland campus