Don’t Play Yourself: Remember Your Heavenly Helper in Times of Need
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
In the chaotic whirlwind that life often becomes, it’s far too easy to lose sight of the presence and promise of divine help. In these moments of struggle, we must remind ourselves of our Heavenly Helper.
As the late Tim Keller puts it, “God will either give us what we ask or give us what we would have asked if we knew everything he knows.”
And in the modern vernacular, as DJ Khaled would say, “Bless up. Don’t play yourself.”
Remembering What God Did
The folks at church would say,
“If it had not been for the Lord, I don’t know where I’d be!”
Recounting the moments of divine intervention in our lives serves as an encouragement, particularly during periods of despair or doubt. We often forget that God had His hand over our lives when we were at the brink — emotionally, physically, or spiritually.
The Israelites were urged to remember how God led them out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and into the Promised Land. “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
If God has been faithful before, He will be faithful again. Tim Keller emphasizes this by stating, “The only person who dares wake up a king at 3:00 AM for a glass of water is a child.
We have that kind of access.”
DJ Khaled’s Wisdom in Modern Context
“All we do is win!”
In a seemingly unlikely source of spiritual wisdom, DJ Khaled often uses his platform to speak about gratitude, blessings, and the importance of positive thinking. “They don’t want you to win,” he says, referring to life’s challenges and critics. But what we should understand is challenges are a part of the human experience. The key to overcoming them? “Stay away from ‘they’ and ‘bless up,’” Khaled insists.
In the same vein, scripture advises us to keep our focus on God rather than naysayers or circumstances.
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The Strength in Recollection
When we recall God’s faithfulness, it grounds us in His unwavering character.
We can take comfort in knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His character is reliable and trustworthy, and we can always count on Him.
Recalling God’s faithfulness can help us through difficult times. When we are feeling lost or alone, we can remember that God is always with us. He has never left us or forsaken us, and He will never do so.
Recalling God’s faithfulness can also help us be more grateful for all He has done for us. We can remember when He has answered our prayers, provided for us, and protected us. We can be thankful for His love and mercy, which are new every morning.
When we recall God’s faithfulness, it strengthens our faith and hope. We know that He is good and that He loves us. We can trust Him to lead us through whatever life brings our way.
Taking Action in Faith
But this is not an exercise in passivity.
The intersection between taking steps in faith and waiting on God is often where we find ourselves conflicted. Here, both Tim Keller and DJ Khaled offer invaluable insights.
Keller points out,
“Active waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing. It’s not fatalistic resignation; it means being involved in the work of love and reconciliation around us while being wisely open to God doing the new thing in our life.”
Similarly, DJ Khaled’s often-repeated phrase, “The key is to make it,” reveals the critical factor of our participation in actualizing God’s promises for us.
So, as you go through life’s storms and sunny landscapes, remember your Heavenly Helper in times of need.
Practice recalling God’s faithfulness, an exercise that not only elevates your spirits but grounds you in the timeless reliability of God’s character.
Tim Keller and even DJ Khaled, in their own unique ways, remind us that recognizing and activating divine help is integral in overcoming challenges and thriving in life’s journey.
Bless up and never forget:
Your Heavenly Helper is always by your side.
