May 14

The Lord is my Helper.—Hebrews 13:6.

UNDER all circumstances man is the creature of weakness and dependence: he is not sufficient for one moment's existence, much less felicity. Many foolishly, however, lean upon themselves, and are constantly reaping vanity and sorrow. Others lean upon their fellow-men; they trust in man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and hence they are the constant victims of anguish and disappointment. The Christian feels and rejoices in the sentiment, "The Lord is my Helper." Yes, Jehovah laid the redemption of the world upon him, because he is mighty—the whole structure of the church rests on him as its immoveable basis and centre—all the believer's hopes, and blessings, and joys, are in him. When the cry of the perishing sinner reacheth his ears, his hand is immediately stretched out to help: when starving souls draw near to him, he helpeth them to the stores of his mercy and the abundance of his grace—when enemies assail his heaven-born sons, then they cry, and the Lord becometh their help and their shield. In affliction he helpeth them by his kindly sympathies;

"He knows what human sorrows mean, For he hath felt the same."

He helpeth his people, too, in all the common and ordinary affairs of life. In duties he helpeth them, by imparting strength, and power sufficient for their right discharge. It is to the gracious help of Jesus that the believer constantly looks, and on which he always depends. How desirable that we should always feel the appropriate lines of the poet:—

"Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on thee, Leave, O leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me: All my trust on thee is stay'd, All my help from thee I bring, Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of thy wing."