January Focus: O Lord, Help Me
Texts: Psalm 109:26; Psalm 40:13
Introduction: A Cry at the Gate of 2026
With grateful hearts, we welcome the year 2026 with joy, knowing that God’s grace has enabled us to accomplish everything we have achieved so far. The Lord safeguarded us through all our previous plans, some of which were accomplished, while others were postponed or abandoned. The beginning of a new year is more than an opportunity to celebrate the past; it is a sobering reminder that we will need divine intervention to navigate this one. As we embark on this new season, we rely on God for guidance in every area of our lives, including spirituality, health, emotions, finances, and relationships.
Saying a simple prayer like “O Lord, help me” reflects unshakable faith, not weakness. It means surrendering total control, admitting our limitations, and seeking God’s supernatural power, guidance, and focus for the journey ahead. David’s heartfelt cry in the Psalms captures this truth:
“Help me, O LORD my God: O save me according to thy mercy.” (Psalm 109:26)
“Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.” (Psalm 40:13)
- Recognizing Your Need for God’s Help
The first step in asking for help is humility. It is the realization that human strength is insufficient to meet the demands of life. Despite being a warrior, king, and leader, David constantly pleaded with God for help. He understood that without God, work and prosperity are meaningless. We cannot rely solely on ourselves to make it through the journey of 2026. Dreams, families, ministries, and careers all require heavenly assistance. As Rick Warren often emphasizes in his daily devotions, God’s help is not automatic; it is activated by dependence. When we recognize our need, God responds graciously.
The Nigerian Baptist Daily Devotional frequently reminds believers that putting God first helps us align our steps and avoid unnecessary struggles. Saying, “O Lord, help me,” acknowledges that God, not our circumstances, is our source.
- God’s Help Brings Strength, Direction, and Deliverance
God’s intervention is timely and intentional. In Psalm 40:13, the phrase “make haste to help me” expresses a sense of urgency. Delays may make people feel vulnerable, but God’s help always comes at the right time. God offers strength, as Isaiah 40:31 assures us when we are weary. He gives direction, as Proverbs 3:5–6 promises guidance when the path forward is unclear. He provides deliverance when enemies, fear, or sin surround us.
As Rick Warren explains, God’s help does not always come by removing challenges immediately, but by empowering us to overcome them. Because God strengthens our inner being, we can remain composed and move forward with confidence. As we journey through 2026, God’s help will guide your decisions, guard your heart, and grant you victory in both visible and invisible battles.
- Crying for Help Is an Act of Faith, Not Fear
Crying out, “O Lord, help me,” is an expression of deep trust. It shows confidence that God hears, cares, and responds to our prayers. Faith is not pretending to be strong; it is fully depending on God’s power. According to the Nigerian Baptist Daily Devotional, prayer is not a last resort but a lifestyle that should shape our daily walk with God.
When asking for help becomes a consistent part of our prayer lives, we adopt a posture of dependence and respond with obedience. As we surrender our hearts, we receive divine focus, enabling us to prioritize what truly matters in the new year: God’s will, His timing, and His glory.
Conclusion
Let our recurring prayer, “O Lord, help me,” remain simple yet powerful as we journey through 2026. This heartfelt cry invites God to intervene in every area of our lives. It keeps us hopeful amid life’s uncertainties, humble before God, and aligned with His will. God’s help prevails when human strength fails, and His mercy continually sustains us. Above all, the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of our greatest help. When we embrace Him as Lord and Savior and commit our lives to Him, we submit to His unfailing grace, guidance, and support, confident that He will never abandon those who trust in Him.
Reflections
Where do I need God’s help most as I enter 2026?
Have I been relying more on my strength than on God’s grace?
How can prayer become my first response rather than my last option?
Prayer
O Lord our God, we thank You for bringing us into the year 2026 by Your grace. We confess that without You, we can do nothing. As we begin this new journey, we surrender every area of our lives to You. Help us where we are weak, guide us where we are confused, and strengthen us where we are weary. Be pleased, O Lord, to help us and make haste to deliver us. May Your mercy surround us, and may Your purpose be fulfilled in our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
References
The Holy Bible (KJV, NIV) – Psalms 40:13; 109:26
Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotionals
Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional
Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Life. Zondervan