Too many times, I've heard, 'God helps those that help themselves', and that is such a deep, deep lie! It's actually a half-truth, more than a lie; He does help those... but, not those that are already helping themselves, or able to help themselves. Our devotional today is a gentle reminder... OK, maybe not 'so' gentle... that self-help is not where your relationship with God will get deeper, closer, or more enriched. We can only help ourselves just so much; we are becoming more and more innovative, creative, resourceful... but, we still cannot fill that 'God Shaped Hole' in our lives. We cannot permanently remedy even the simplest of conflicts (wars, disease, everlasting life). In fact, man's solution to man's problems consistently leaves man in deeper separation from God... not closer. Stop trying to help Him, let Him help you!
John 15:5 declares; "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.", which is a perfect reminder that self-help has 'no' place in God's design for us, His plan for us, and certainly His hope for us. Being in a helpless place in our lives is a perfect reminder of the surrender required in our lives to 'get' the very help, 'get' the very security, and even 'get' the actual salvation we need. Sure, we can remedy problems; we just can't wholly solve them at the core.
Understand though, you 'do' need to be engaged in a solution for the woes in your life; but not exclusive of a fellowship with Jesus, not in an 'on your own' manner, and certainly not without His guiding spirit in your life. Sure, you can... but, you shouldn't. Self-Help actually has one of the key word in it as to 'why' you're destined to fall short... 'self'!
How, then?
Easy... wait on the Lord; have patience; exercise trust in Him. James 1:4 reminds us; "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.", which really confirms that Self-help cannot even begin to make such a bold and definitive promise; "...you'll be perfect and entire... wanting nothing". Now THAT is a solid solution!