Oftentimes, for the purpose of self-justification, some enthusiastically quote this phrase, “The Bible says, ‘Heaven helps those who helps themselves.'” I have never seen this statement in the Bible, and besides, I do not accept its verity! The testimony of a King at the end of his rope is very instructive.

What I consider absolutely true is found in the account of King David after he escaped death. He said, “The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. GOD is gracious—it is he who makes things right…GOD takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, He saved me.” (Psalm 116:1-6).

Anyone who call upon the Lord to deliver their souls from danger, and do so in absolute reliance on God will find him gracious and true to his promise. He rewards the effort of the humble, who has emptied himself of pride, and are lowly in their own eyes. They see their want, bewail their guilt, and thirst after a Redeemer.

I agree that there is a place of self-efforts. However, self determination, self-help or human skills and intelligence or even spiritual efforts like praying and fasting should not be seen as the end in itself; they are just means to an end. Such efforts will amount to futility if God does not approve of it!

For raising a family. If God be not acknowledged, we have no reason to expect his blessing; and the best-laid plans fail, unless he crowns them with success. 2. For the safety of a family or a city. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchmen, though they neither slumber nor sleep, wake but in vain; mischief may break out, which even early discoveries may not be able to prevent (Matthew Henry’s commentary on Psalm 127:1).

It is of his mercies that we are not consumed. The same God who out of his mercies can bless our efforts when we put our trust in Him is the same God that can frustrate our best efforts when we rely on our wit and strength.

The statement, “Heaven help those who help themselves”, is often used as an excuse to commit ungodly acts, and justify efforts put at solving problems, even when they are against both moral and spiritual laws. Heaven only helps the helpless!

You don’t have to get to the end of your rope before you call on God. Even after tieing a knot at the end of your rope, how long can you hang in there? Certainly, there is a limit to every man’s effort and an end to his endurance level.

Therefore, there is no time that is too late to seek God. Peradventure, you are at the end of your rope; all your efforts have failed, and you at the verge of giving up on life! God awaits your call. He can turn your mistakes to miracles, even right now!

God helps the helpless not the independent! He can pull you up again! Cease from your labour, and keep trusting God.

You are winning. Yes, we are winning!

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