January Focus: O Lord, Help Me – January 2026 Article

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)

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

 

Read More

KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM – SEPTEMBER 2025 ARTICLE

Topic: KEEP YOUR FOCUS, STAND FIRM

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:58

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (NKJV)

Introduction

As we approach the end of the year; the month of September and the subsequent months, many people may experience feelings of tiredness, distraction, or even fear about the future. The excitement for the new year may have diminished due to the responsibilities of daily life, and once-vibrant goals may now fade.

Nonetheless, Scripture serves as a reminder that now is not the time for indecision. It is, instead, a divine invitation to realign and persevere in Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages believers to “be courageous, steadfast, and persevere in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NKJV).

This admonition to “Stand Firm and Keep Your Focus” emphasizes the significance of placing our hope, vision, and faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on our own strength. He is the unchangeable Rock of Ages, a firm foundation in an unstable world (Matthew 7:24–25, NIV).

Rick Warren teaches in The Purpose Driven Life that proper stability is achieved by aligning our lives with God’s eternal purposes rather than the world’s fleeting concerns (Warren, 2002). Similarly, his Daily Hope Devotional encourages us to “trust God for the outcome” especially when our efforts seem insufficient or the future uncertain (Warren, 2025).

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) also urges believers to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that perseverance in faith leads to the Lord’s promised crown of life (James 1:12, ESV). In this way, daily devotionals and spiritual journals serve as guides, redirecting our attention from distractions to God’s unwavering promises.

As we near the conclusion of the year, let us approach this season with renewed determination rather than despair, remembering that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV). Remaining steadfast in Him ensures that our efforts are not in vain, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

  1. Stay Anchored in God’s Word

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

During times of uncertainty, one of the greatest risks is the absence of spiritual direction. Fear, discouragement, or the demands of life can easily overwhelm us without God’s guidance. The steady light of His Word grounds us in truth, stabilizes our emotions, and renews our thoughts.

Rick Warren reminds believers in his Daily Hope Devotional (2025) that “the Bible offers a consistent perspective in an unstable world.” Likewise, in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), he notes that our lives are designed to glorify God, and this purpose is best fulfilled through consistent engagement with Scripture.

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) exhorts Christians to “focus and finish strong,” emphasizing that our ability to endure through the final quarter of the year depends on clinging to God’s promises.

Practical devotion, whether through Bible meditation, journaling prayers, or recording answered petitions, helps us remain centered on God’s will. As the year winds down, recommit to Scripture reading daily. Let His Word be your foundation in the morning and your comfort at night. God’s promises remain unshakable, and His Word never fails.

  1. Guard Your Focus

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25, NIV)

Focus is not merely a mental exercise; it is a spiritual discipline. Life brings unavoidable distractions; financial pressures, family responsibilities, societal unrest, or personal struggles. The Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) warns that “Satan’s goal is to divide your attention so that your heart is no longer fixed on Christ” (p. 214).

Like Peter in Matthew 14:30 (NKJV), we begin to sink when our focus shifts from Christ to the storms around us. In The Purpose Driven Life (2002), Rick Warren stresses that a meaningful life prioritizes God’s eternal purposes above worldly expectations. When we trust Him for the outcome, peace replaces anxiety (Daily Hope Devotional, August 2025).

Spiritual growth resources, such as Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life (2014), highlight that practices like prayer, fasting, and Scripture meditation strengthen resilience against distraction.

As the year progresses, consider setting practical commitments: read a book of the Bible each month, fast regularly, or join a Bible study group that promotes accountability. These practices keep us centered on Christ and rooted in the Word, which remains our most reliable guide.

  1. Stand Firm in Faith

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV).

Standing firm in faith means holding your ground in adversity. Paul reminded the Corinthian church that the Christian life requires vigilance and resilience. Our confidence must rest in God’s promises, not in our strength, achievements, or emotions.

The enemy seeks to weaken our confidence, sow fear, and drain us through discouragement. But God equips us with the strength to remain steadfast. Ephesians 6:13 urges us to “put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground” (NIV).

This firmness is not passive endurance but an active posture, clothed with truth, righteousness, peace, and faith. With these, we can resist the devil’s schemes and thrive even in hardship.

Rick Warren emphasizes in Daily Hope (2025) that endurance comes by shifting our focus from short-term goals to God’s eternal plan. Likewise, the Nigerian Baptist Convention Daily Devotional (2025) calls believers to finish strong by clinging to Christ.

 

Faith, as Warren explains in The Purpose Driven Life (2002), is learning to depend on God daily, not merely believing in Him. Through prayer, Scripture, and reliance on the Spirit, we can remain unshakable in life’s storms.

Standing firm is more than survival; it is spiritual progress. Anchored in His Word and empowered by His Spirit, we can finish the year with confidence in Christ’s victory.

Conclusion

As we enter the final months of the year, let us remember God’s unfailing faithfulness. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6, NIV).

This truth assures us that the God who started His work of redemption in our lives has the power and determination to complete it. His promises remain unchanged, regardless of circumstances or emotions (The Holy Bible, NKJV).

Rick Warren affirms in The Purpose Driven Life (2002) that our faith journey is not about personal strength but trusting God to fulfill His purpose. His Daily Hope Devotional (2025) echoes this: “Trust God for the outcome.”

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Devotional (2025) similarly encourages us to “focus and finish strong.” We are reminded to fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, ESV).

In these remaining months, let us stay rooted in Christ, standing firm in faith, and keeping our focus on Him. Believing in His faithfulness gives us the resilience to end the year knowing His plans will prevail.

Reflections

  • What distractions have pulled your attention away from Jesus lately?
  • How can you intentionally re-center your focus on God as you step into September?
  • In what area of your life is God calling you to stand firm in faith?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I enter September and the months ahead, help me to keep my eyes on You. Strengthen my heart to stand firm in faith, even when circumstances try to shake me. Anchor me in Your Word, shield my mind from distraction, and renew my spirit daily. I declare that I will finish this year with focus, faith, and fervor, standing on Your promises.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

References

  1. The Holy Bible (NKJV, NIV, ESV)
  2. Rick Warren, Daily Hope Devotional – “Trust God for the Outcome” (August 2025)
  3. Nigerian Baptist Convention, Daily Devotional – “Focus and Finish Strong” (August 2025)
  4. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life (2002)
  5. J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership
  6. Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli, Falling in Love with Jesus

John Aderogba for ROPMI

Read More

Don’t Lose Your Joy – June 2025 Article

Don’t Lose Your Joy

Text: Habakkuk 3:17–19

“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” (KJV)

Introduction

Joy may be costly and difficult to obtain, but it is simple to cultivate if you connect with the source of joy. Happiness is easy to find and can be found in any situation; nevertheless, it is transient and only exists for a short time.

Now that we have reached halfway through the year, many of us are assessing our emotional, spiritual, financial, and physical well-being. Several people began the year with great faith in God and a sense of optimism, hoping to achieve breakthroughs, health, success, or restoration.

Nonetheless, as you stand here in June, you may face unexpected challenges, such as job loss, health issues, strained relationships, financial shortfalls, or spiritual tiredness. In these moments, it is easy to become discouraged or let your delight vanish.

God’s Word, on the other hand, invites us to take a different perspective; one that is not influenced by our circumstances but rather is based on a more profound truth: our delight is not dependent on what we have but on who God is.

As we progress through Habakkuk’s book, let us consider what it means to keep your joy in the face of life’s unexpected turns.

1: Your Circumstances May Not Change Immediately (v. 17)

Habakkuk depicts a bleak landscape. His portrayal includes a complete collapse of agriculture, with no figs, grapes, olives, cereals, or livestock. Rather than being a nuisance, this was a catastrophe for an agricultural community. In modern terms, this would be equivalent to losing your money, health, support systems, or security.

Habakkuk, on the other hand, is sincere; he does not hide his sorrow. This serves as a reminder that pretending everything is well is not a demonstration of faith. Recognizing difficulty without allowing it to consume your hope is the core of this.

Examining the period of January to June: many people began the year 2025 with prayer, vision boards, and resolutions. Nonetheless, you have probably experienced more “losses” than gains up to this point. Perhaps no mending occurred in the connection. The job did not proceed as expected. The diagnosis was confirmed here.

Furthermore, you are asking, “God, where are You?” This verse should serve as a reminder that while your circumstances may not change immediately, God’s presence in the midst of them remains constant.

2: Joy Is a Choice, Not a Feeling (v. 18)

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

This is amongst the most authoritative “YET” passages in the Bible. Habakkuk, the prophet, laments, “Yet I will rejoice,” even though everything is going wrong. He chooses delight because God remains deserving, not because everything is perfect. God’s presence causes joy, not the lack of barriers.

Hard soil is highly beneficial to the development of the fruit of the Spirit. This type of joy overcomes adversity, proclaiming, “I still have a reason to worship.”

Analyzing the period of January to June: where have you chosen to find joy in the face of disappointment this year? It is possible that you continued to pray despite your reservations. You were likely able to inspire others despite your discouragement. It is possible that you expressed thankfulness to God despite the tears running down your cheeks.

That does not indicate vulnerability but rather fortitude. This is a decision to choose pleasure. Moreover, that is precisely the paradigm Habakkuk used.

3: God Will Strengthen and Elevate You (v. 19)

“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”

Deer feet, often known as hinds’ feet, are designed to travel across rough and hilly terrain. The words spoken are Habakkuk’s: “God will not only strengthen me but also equip me to walk where it appears impossible to walk.”

When God grants you hind feet, He does not always remove the mountain from your path; instead, He prepares you to climb it.

Examining the timeframe of January to June: what type of strength has God put on you that you were unaware you had? In what ways has He helped you get through difficult times?

It is possible that you have yet to experience your miracle, yet the fact that you are still standing is impressive in and of itself.

As you look ahead to the remaining months of 2025, remember that God has not finished your story. You are being prepared to walk in higher areas with increased faith, purpose, and unexpected benefits. He is preparing you to walk through these places.

Conclusion

The truth is that life is not always fair. Let us face it. However, God’s faithfulness remains unshakable. As a result, your joy must be based on Him rather than your current circumstances.

Do not let the failure of your plans steal your delight. Do not let the disappointment of others force you to lose your joy. Do not let the fact that the year did not start as you had hoped hinder your enjoyment.

It is because God remains your strength even amid disaster. To this day, He works behind the scenes. Still, He is doing well.

Reflection and Application

As you reflect on your journey from January to June, take some time this week to:

Write down your blessings and burdens. Acknowledge both.

Ask God for renewed strength and joy. Pray Habakkuk 3:17–19 over your life.

Encourage someone else. Sometimes joy grows when we help others find theirs.

Let the declaration of Habakkuk be yours: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

Prayer

Father, even when the fig tree doesn’t blossom and the vines don’t bear fruit, I choose to rejoice in You. Be my strength in weakness. Lift me to higher places and teach me to walk with steady feet, even on rocky ground. I will not lose my joy, because I have not lost You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

John Aderogba for ROPMI

 

Read More