Daily Bread (Say No To Self-Help)

[shortlady]

Say No To Self-Help
READ: Jeremiah 17:1-8

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. —Psalm 28:7

Early in my editorial career in religious publishing, I was responsible for a line of books referred to as “self-help.” The label troubled me because it seemed contrary to everything Christian.

The idea of self-help is popular because it supports the notion that we are in control. In the words of the poem “Invictus”: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

But we’re not! Eventually something happens that reminds us how out-of-control life is, and no self-help book can help us make it right.

Thankfully, Christians are not in the business of self-help. Quite the opposite! To become a Christian requires that we admit our helplessness and acknowledge our total dependence on God. “Without Me, you can do nothing,” said Jesus (John 15:5).

The ancient Israelites were always getting in trouble for trusting human strength rather than God’s (Jer. 17:5). Yet even after their failures, the Lord said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (v.7).

When especially difficult circumstances or strong temptations invade our lives and remind us of our powerlessness, we have an all-powerful God who works on behalf of those who trust Him. —Julie Ackerman Link

No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown on Jesus’ name:
In this our strong tower for safety we hide;
The Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.” —Newton


Whatever does not begin with God will end in failure.

 

[stephen]

The ancient Israelites were always getting in trouble for trusting human strength rather than God’s (Jer. 17:5). Yet even after their failures, the Lord said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (v.7).

Self Help is vital in natural life, and getting through the day to day problems we all have to face. Many today need to learn how to help themselves, if they did this life for them would be so much more satisfactory, and fulfilling.

But as you make the point sister, in matters of Faith, relating to pleasing God, SELF must take a rear seat.

There are many "How To" books today. How to receive healing....... How to get through.....How to Overcome......etc.

In these matters you remind us “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord”

Amen