During the last few weeks we have been emphasizing prayer in our Wednesday evening Bible study. We have been doing so because whether we speak of salvation, sanctification or service, we must recognize that human wisdom or strength or ability is vain without the power of God being involved.

In the last year many of God’s people have suffered trials and troubles. Losing loved ones to cancer... Life changing accidents and illnesses… eventually we realize that even with advances in medical research and good nutrition, and better living conditions cannot take the place of completely trusting our Almighty God.

David cries out twice in Psalms 60 and again in 108, “Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.”

I understand that there are many things we cannot do without the help of man. I thank God for the wisdom, skills and talents that God has given to those who help us with things we cannot do for ourselves, but there is a limit to what humans can do. As my ophthalmologist said last Saturday, “If this doesn’t work I don’t know what else I can do.”

One of our members sent me a text last week after my surgery with the encouraging scripture from Psalm 46.

Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

We must realize that if it were not for God’s grace, mercy and help every one of us would be in hell with no hope for eternity.