Day 21

As we reach the end of week 3 in the 40-Day Worship Experience, we are exploring the simple prayer, “Jesus, I need You.”

The beautiful truth that underlies this prayer is that Jesus is the Source of the help you need. If you’re like me, it can be easy to get so focused on what you need—finances, wisdom, strength, healing—that you almost lose sight of Who you need: God. He is the Source of your help.

Let your felt needs turn your focus toward the One who supplies all your needs. If you wake up burdened or weighed down by the cares of life, or if overwhelming obstacles and looming fears cast shadows over your day, turn to God. Pray, “Jesus, I need You. I need help. I need courage. I need wisdom. I need You to open doors for me.” The Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). The Hebrew word translated “always ready” means exceedingly ready to be present. In other words, the help God offers you is not weak, unwilling, or delayed. His Help is strong and powerful. He is ready, willing, and very able to meet your needs.

Psalm 121 says, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord.” The question is rhetorical. The psalmist knows his help doesn’t come from the mountains, but rather from the Lord. Mountains represented an earthly hope, a source of aid that was limited and unlikely. I wonder, how often do we look toward “mountains” in our lives, hoping for help to arrive from somewhere beyond the horizon—when we have God with us all along? Instead of looking longingly toward earthly sources of aid, we should turn our eyes to God, knowing that our “help comes from the Lord.”

This morning, consider the needs that are most pressing in your mind. Then, turn to Jesus in prayer. Tell Him what you need. Cast your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

Questions for Reflection

1. When you consider God’s Presence in your life, what does the phrase “always ready to help” mean to you personally?
2. Can you describe a time when you experienced God’s immediate response or tangible Presence following a prayer?
3. What do you need from God this morning?