Help Me, Lord!, August 26
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
If you find this devotional inspiring please consider making a donation so we can continue to create powerful devotions for all those impacted by cancer.
Written by David Gira
I’m pleading with you, Yahweh, help me! Don’t close your ears to my cry, for you’re my defender (Psalm 28:1 TPT).
DIY (do-it-yourself) projects are the rage these days. With a YouTube video, the right supplies, and the will … you can do many things yourself. Cancer, however, is not one of them. It demands help from many people, and above all, God!
King David found himself in a horrific situation. His beloved son, Absalom, was leading a political military rebellion against him. Absalom planned to take over David’s kingdom.
With warriors armed against him, David fled into hiding. In his exile, David turned to God in prayer and asked for help. He sought a way to a peaceful resolution, one that would save his life and his son’s, and the kingdom.
David’s experience inspired him to write Psalm 28. As we reflect on his words, we see three actions he takes to receive God’s help:
First, David asks for God’s help.
“I’m pleading with you, Yahweh, help me!” (v. 1) David asks for help, but “ask” isn’t sufficient. David pleads, cries, calls, and begs. “Don’t close your ears to my cry!” (v. 1) Don’t ignore me! Don’t let this happen. Don’t treat me like those who don’t love You! Help me!
David prayed passionately and with his whole body. He prayed on his knees and on his stomach, lying prostrate before God. He lifted up his hands towards God (v. 2), something seen often in the Bible and today. What a great way to let God know you need a hand!
Second, David praises God.
Immediately after pouring out his heart, David shouts, “Blessed be GOD!” (v. 6 MSG) David’s praise startles us. After painfully pouring out his heart’s hurts and desires, praise may not be what we expected.
How can he do this? First, he knows God has heard his prayers. God has listened to every word and moan, and counted his tears. That’s a big deal. Second, God has already proven himself to David throughout his lifetime, time after time. God’s track record is stellar. God’s always been there for him. Thus, David has every reason to believe God is with him in this crisis and will help him. David praises God for what He has done and for whatever He will do next! “My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (v. 7b NIV).
Third, David trusts God to help him.
As he praises God, David proclaims, “My heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (v. 7 NIV). His praise may not change the situation, but it will change him. David trusts God with everything—his concern for his son, for the kingdom, and fears for his own life—and that changes him.
“When I fully trust in you, help is on the way” (v. 7b TPT). Trusting God increases David’s faith to believe God will show up. God will love, bless, lead, carry, and protect him. “Yahweh is my strength and my wraparound shield” (v. 7 TPT). God will help him and all God’s people, including you!
Pray: Lord, thank You for not making my cancer a DIY project. Thank You for the help I receive from others. Most of all I thank You for Your help. Give me the humility and faith to always ask for help and to trust You. I praise You in advance! Amen.
Your Turn: Try David’s prayer approach for yourself. Is something specific very daunting? Or maybe it’s everything right now. Whatever it is, ask God for help, trust God, and praise God. Listen to “Heaven Help Me” by Zach Williams.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
