When we reach the point of saying “God help me, please!” we are probably in a place with nowhere else to turn.
As the saying goes, there are no atheists in foxholes!
While you may not find yourself in something as dangerous as a foxhole, the famous saying reminds us that when faced with the worst situation possible, we often look to God to be rescued.
Not everyone would admit to it but it is likely truer than not. Individuals often share how they made a bargain with God, such as
“Just get me out of this situation and I’ll believe in you” or “I’ll do anything you want me to”, or “I’ll give all my money the poor”.
There is nothing to be ashamed about – humans cry out for God’s help in desperate situations.
It is wonderful to have God’s help in difficult times. The Bible is full of stories about people who have been desperate and needed help. In fact, the oldest book in the Bible, Job (pronounced Jobe) is just that. Job was a godly man who lost everything.
The story goes that Satan (the accuser) believed Job only loved God because of all the good things he had. So God allowed Satan to test Job. God told Satan, do as you wish, “just don’t touch him.”
In the first chapter of Job, all of Job’s possessions were destroyed, and all his children were killed. Here is an overview of the book of Job in case you would like to understand it (more information about Job).
In Difficult Times, It’s Okay To Say “God Help Me Please”
We all go through tough times. Death. Fear. Loneliness. Illness. Loss. Below are examples of difficult times that people often experience and lessons from the Book of Job.
Ready my article: Inspirational Prayer Quotes
Know that if you are going through a difficult time you are not alone.
Loss of Loved Ones
Everyone is going to die and when it happens it is always sad for those of us left behind. Death may come unexpectedly through accidents, illnesses, and violence. We may spend time being angry, blaming God or others, all the while becoming bitter and sad.
Job delt with loss. He kept his mind on the fact that God gives but God also takes away. Because God created us, He can do what he wishes.
Although he was in mourning, Job worshipped God saying, ”The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Illness
Illness is one of the most difficult challenges that people go through. It can affect young or old, strong or weak. Overcoming illness can come with stress, medicine and its side effects.
Job also faced illness. Satan challenged God by saying that Job only worships you because he remains healthy. So God said do whatever you want but don’t kill him.
Job became ill. He broke out in boils all over his body. His wife then advised him to curse God and die.
In chapter 3, while Job didn’t cease to worship God, he began to question why and complain about his new circumstances.
“I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil” verse 26
So he cried out to God and said what was in his heart. He just wanted to die.
No friends
Having friends is important. Friends can be met at school, in the neighborhood, church, and work. But it’s not always easy to make friends or find people you relate to.
Job lost most of his friends. When he lost all his money and spent his time in dust cloth and ashes, he lost his desire to socialize.
Most people are attracted to those with wealth and good reputations but when that is gone it is amazing how quickly they disappear. There were three people left who argued with him about God. They were not supportive at all.
They just knew he must have done something wrong to deserve his misery.
Job in his wisdom said,
“Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. If I were you, I would appeal to God, I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the almighty. He wounds but he also binds up; he injures but his hands also heal. – Chapter 5
Also read my article: How To Get To Heaven
Money Problems
One of the most common problems in the world stems from money, or the lack of money. Money can open up doors and buy us food, but without it, life can become stressful. Money can also cost us relationships.
Job lost everything, including his money. He had property, herds of animals, multiple homes, 10 children, and servants. Then it was gone.
Job remained positive. He knew it was not because he had done anything wrong.
“I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy”.
Family Stress
Family stress is a problem that most people face in a lifestime. It could be health related, relationship, or stress due to misbehaving children.
Jobs wife was not supportive and cause him a lot of stress. After losing all of her children it is easy to understand how she could become bitter.
Many people turn away from God when their family breaks down through illness, death or divorce. This is why she said, ”curse God and die!”
Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Disappointments
Have you ever been disappoint with life, your decisions, in colleagues at work, or with family? Many things can disappoint us and lead us to be unhappy or depressed.
In general, Job’s life became a disappointment. He had everything and then nothing.
Can you imagine the feeling of loss a person might have after this? He must have worked very hard for all the material things he had and then to see it be taken away for no reason at all (learn to “let go and let God handle it“).
In chapter 38 God speaks. He makes it very clear who is in charge and challenges the men. Job understands and repents saying, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Surely, I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”
After this God blessed Job with more children and more earthly possessions than he had before. The other three men were directed to make a sacrifice and Job was to pray for them. God accepted their offerings because of Job’s prayer.
The lessons in Job are for the ages. The book of Job is one of the three books of wisdom. They are worth considering when we are in desperate situations – when you shout to God “help me please”, think of Job.
5 Ways God Can Help
1. Peace
God can give us peace of mind and reduce our stress.
Have no anxiety about anything but in everything with prayer and supplication make your requests to God and the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 4:6-7
2. Confidence
God can provide confidence.
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. – 1 John 5:14-15
3. Assurance by faith
Faith in God give us assurance.
Without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
4. Patience
We can develop patience through God. Patience for others, patience for life, even for bad traffic.
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you. – 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
5. Courage
Courage can be gained by asking God for help.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6-8
God Help Me Please – 3 Prayers During Tough Time
Pray Using Job’s Example To Cry Out To God
Oh God, you alone understand what I am going through. I do not understand why these things are happening to me. Why am I made to suffer when others are fine.
Others are not miserable like me. While I don’t understand, I know that you have your reasons and your plan for me. My heart cries out to you and no where else. You created me.
You will do what is best for me even though I do not understand now. Keep me in your will. Please stay close to me and guide me through this time of trial
Pray using the word of God from Psalms
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:1-3
Pray with friends – ask them to pray with and for you
Where two or three are gathered in Jesus name, He is there. Reach out to Christian friends who will meet with you and cover you with prayer.
Resources for God’s Help
Most Bible-believing churches have ministries which can help. Some even have counseling programs at no cost. God’s help can come through others, whether it be a friend, work colleague, small group or a sports team.
You can find most online but always ask around to make sure you are going to get true biblical spiritual guidance.
Conclusion
Everyone goes through tough times, and many people do not deserve the difficult situation they are in. I also have friends who deserve to be miserable but they are doing just fine.
All we can know for sure is that God created the world, God created us and God will see his purposes fulfilled. As a Christian I study the Bible and have learned that there are many people who suffer yet are at peace and then there are people who prosper yet are unhappy – this is just one thing to consider.
It is the reliance on a great and gracious God who will in the end make all things right. This life is brief.
The older I get the shorter it seems of course. We can only do our best with God’s help and the knowledge that Jesus died but is alive and promising us eternity with him.
