My Helper

While Paul was headed for Rome as a prisoner, their ship entered a terrible storm… “Not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon (Northeaster). And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to stabilize the boat: which after hoisting it up, they used HELPS, undergirding the ship... for we were violently storm-tossed…” – (Acts 27:14-17)

The word “helps” is the nautical word “frapping”. It means ropes were used to strap around the hull, holding it tightly together, so that that storm wouldn’t break it apart. Not every ship could be lifted out of the water, as Paul’s was, to be undergirded. Some sailor would have to risk his life by diving into the water under the ship, to wrap the ropes.

This word “HELPS” or “frapping,” is the same word used for us regarding prayer… “Let us come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to HELP in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Jesus entered the waters of death to undergird our lives with His power and love. His ‘help’ will hold us firmly and safely through every storm of life.

As our world becomes more lawless and volatile, what comfort it is to remember that He has promised to never leave us, nor forsake us, so that we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man (or circumstances) will do to me” (Hebrews 13:5,6). Hallelujah!

(Devotional by Lisa Cataford)