Have you ever needed help? I have needed help in more ways than I can number. I am sure you would say the same. I have needed help in learning, living and loving in particular.

Webster’s defines “helper” as “someone who helps another person with a job or task.” As I have been thinking about starting this New Year, I am very thankful for two helpers in my life in particular. The first is my wife, Donna. We have been married for 27 years, and she fulfills in my life what God designed her to do as described in Genesis 2:18. This verse says,

“Then the LORD God said, “‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’”

The sense of the word “helper” in this passage is “a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need of an effort or purpose.” (Logos)

If you are married, you probably have seen how your wife has helped you with your imperfections. Donna fills my gaps, and I hope I fill her gaps. We are better together than separately. With her help, she meets my needs and assists me with fulfilling my purpose in life. I try to do the same for her.

The second helper in my life is identified by Jesus in John 14:16 which says,

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

What an incredible blessing. Jesus is my helper in that he has provided the way of salvation, but he sent the Holy Spirit to be my helper as I live out my faith on earth. Through the enabling of the Spirit, he helps me to live the way God designed.  Jesus may no longer be physically present on earth, but the Spirit is here to fulfill the mission of our salvation—Christlikeness.

Father, thank you for seeing that I am a man that needs help! Thank you for your design of marriage between a man and a woman.  In this relationship, you designed us to compliment one another and better reflect your image on earth. I also want to thank you for giving me the resources necessary to live out my faith. Your Spirit and your Word coupled with my willing submission to your leadership will allow you to mold me into the person you want me to be.

Following Jesus with you,

Jeff