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

 

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THE LORD SHALL GO BEFORE YOU – JANUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER

TEXT: EXODUS 33: 12-20.

12. Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 
13. If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”
14. The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15. Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 
16. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
17. And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”
18. Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
19. And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
20. But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

INTRODUCTION:

It is imperative to have a companion on a journey. He who goes with you on the journey determines how smooth the trip will be.

Occasionally, some people’s journey of life has been a very tragic one because of the voice or the attachment that followed them.

The key to a dependable companion on a journey is a good and solid relationship.

Moses had a relationship with God, and it was a cordial one that set the pace for Israel’s victory. The smooth relationship between God and Moses allowed them to talk for a long time to affirm Moses’ dependence on God.

Thus, for you to enjoy the presence of God in all areas of your life, you must know what to do.

Rick Warren said, “When you go through pain next week or next month, or this year, you don’t need God’s explanation. You need God’s presence. Let go of control and surrender yourself to him.” ( Daily Hope devotional, October, 14,21.)

We will elaborate on what you must do in breaking down this focus.

GET IT RIGHT WITH GOD (verse 17)

God was pleased with Moses.

The first thing you should do is let God be pleased with you. Allow God to take hold of you, dwell within you, and take total control of your life.

For Moses to be bold in his discussions with God, he got it right.

In order to walk with God, he dropped his smartness and craftiness.

You cannot do it on your own this year. Walk with God with all honesty, and He shall carry you through.

FOCUS ON GOD’S DIRECTION

You will encounter many distractions along the way. Many will try to frustrate you and take your focus away from what you are doing. Regardless of what may come up this year, keep your focus on the Driver of your vehicle. With God on your side, you will land safely.

Let these verses of the Bible be your anchor (Hebrews 12:2. KJV):  “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

BE IN HIS PRESENCE ALWAYS

This year, let God’s presence be your hiding place. His presence can help you through every step you take.

 

Moses understood this mystery, that was the reason why he cried out to God in verses 15, “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” (NIV).

Without the presence of God, the journey would not be successful. So I want you to keep in mind that if you leave God’s presence, you will be in danger.

Psalms 99:1 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (NIV).

Evils are flying around that you cannot see with your naked eyes. Only God can protect you from them, but you must be under the protection of his presence.

Conclusion:

God has already given you a free ticket for your trip and has blessed the year for you by going ahead of you now.

Nevertheless, He wishes you to register yourself in His company as a covenant member by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior now.

Please, don’t hesitate to make the right decision right now; you won’t regret it.

I wish you a safe journey this year; it’s well with you.

 

LET US PRAY:

1. Father,  I thank You for giving me the privilege to cross over to the year 2022.

2. Lord, among those You will have mercy on this year, let me be one.

3. My Father and my God, hide me under the shadow of Your grace this year.

4. Every mountain before me this year shall become low.

5.  I shall not be a victim of evil circumstances this year.

6. I shall operate under open heavens anywhere I turn to this year.

7. God, bless me indeed this year and enlarge my coast.

AMEN!

John Aderogba for the ROP:MI team.

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