The idea of helping yourself before expecting help from others is often debated. Today, we’ll explore how the Bible balances personal responsibility with reliance on God and support for others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Growing
What Does The Bible Say About Helping Yourself
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This verse reminds us that relying on our own understanding and abilities can often lead to confusion and misdirection. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in the Lord and submit to His guidance. By seeking His wisdom and following His path, we can find clarity and direction in our lives.
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Through Christ, we have the strength to overcome any obstacle and accomplish great things. This verse emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s strength rather than our own. In His power, we find the ability to help ourselves and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Psalm 121:2
“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
We can find help and support in the Lord, who created the entire universe. This verse reminds us that we do not have to face challenges alone. By seeking God’s guidance and assistance, we can find the strength and resources we need to help ourselves and others.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
In times of fear and discouragement, God promises to be with us and provide us with strength and assistance. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s presence and rely on His support. With His help, we can overcome our fears and find the courage to help ourselves and others.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
When we face difficulties and hardships, God is always there as our refuge and source of strength. This verse reassures us that we can turn to Him for help in times of trouble. With His guidance and support, we can find the resilience and resources to help ourselves and navigate through challenging situations.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God is the ultimate source of wisdom, and this verse encourages us to ask Him for guidance. When we lack understanding or direction, we can seek His wisdom, and He will generously provide it. By relying on His divine knowledge, we can make wise choices and help ourselves and others.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
When we commit our ways to the Lord and place our trust in Him, He promises to bless and reward our efforts. This verse reminds us that by entrusting our plans and actions to God, we can experience His favor and blessing. With His help, we can help ourselves and achieve success according to His will.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
By committing our works to the Lord, we invite His guidance and establish a firm foundation for our endeavors. This verse encourages us to align our actions with God’s wisdom and seek His direction. When we involve God in our plans, He will help us succeed and help ourselves in accordance with His purpose.
Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”
When we trust in the Lord and rely on Him, He becomes our source of strength and protection. This verse reminds us that by placing our faith in God, He will come to our aid and bring us joy. With His help, we can overcome obstacles and celebrate His goodness, continually praising and helping ourselves and others.
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'”
God promises to guide us along the right path and provide clear direction. This verse encourages us to listen for His voice and follow His lead. By seeking God’s guidance, we can find the way to help ourselves and make choices according to His divine plan.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
When we surrender our worries and burdens to God, He will sustain us and provide for our needs. This verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness and promises. By entrusting our concerns to Him, we can find the strength to help ourselves and remain steadfast in our righteousness.
Matthew 7:7-8
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
God invites us to approach Him with our needs and desires. This verse encourages us to be persistent and proactive in seeking His help. When we ask, seek, and knock on the door of His presence, God responds with His provision. By reaching out to Him, we can help ourselves and receive the blessings He has in store.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
When we cry out to God in righteousness, He listens and delivers us from our troubles. This verse gives us assurance that God is attentive to our prayers and intervenes on our behalf. By seeking His assistance, we can find deliverance and help ourselves overcome the challenges we face.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God’s love and compassion are unfailing and renewed every day. This verse reminds us of His faithfulness and grace. By recognizing His love for us, we can find hope and strength to help ourselves and face each day with confidence in His steadfast presence.
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Despite our limitations and weaknesses, God remains our ultimate source of strength. This verse acknowledges our human frailty and declares God’s eternal faithfulness. By relying on His strength, we can help ourselves and find lasting fulfillment in His presence.
Ephesians 3:20
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
God’s power is limitless, and He is capable of exceeding our expectations. This verse encourages us to trust in His ability to work in and through us. By surrendering to His power, we can accomplish more than we could ever imagine and help ourselves and others beyond our own limitations.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
God’s Word provides guidance and illumination for our journey. This verse reminds us that by studying and applying His Word, we can find direction and clarity. With the light of His truth, we can help ourselves and navigate through the challenges and decisions we encounter.
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
God cares deeply for us and invites us to cast our anxieties upon Him. This verse encourages us to surrender our worries and burdens to the Lord, knowing that He will sustain us. By entrusting our concerns to Him, we can find peace and help ourselves overcome anxiety.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
When we place our hope in the Lord, He replenishes our strength and empowers us to keep going. This verse assures us that by trusting in God, we can find the endurance and energy we need to help ourselves and persevere through life’s challenges.
Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
God is attentive to our cries for help and rescue. This verse reminds us that when we seek Him in times of fear, He hears us and offers deliverance. By turning to God, we can find the courage and comfort to help ourselves and face our fears with His strength.
Psalm 55:16-17
“As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”
God is accessible at all times, ready to listen and save us from distress. This verse emphasizes the importance of continual communication with God. By reaching out to Him throughout the day, we can find solace and support, knowing that He hears our cries for help and responds to our needs.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God has a purpose and a plan for our lives. This verse reminds us that His intentions for us are good, filled with hope and prosperity. By trusting in His divine plan, we can help ourselves and embrace the future He has prepared for us.
Psalm 146:5
“Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”
Those who place their trust in God and seek His help are truly blessed. This verse highlights the importance of relying on God rather than human assistance. By making the Lord our source of hope and help, we can experience His blessings and confidently help ourselves and others.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
When confronted with difficulties, it is wiser to seek shelter in the Lord rather than relying solely on human support. This verse recognizes the limitations of human aid and encourages us to place our trust in God’s unwavering strength. By finding refuge in Him, we can truly help ourselves and find lasting security.
John 14:26
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
The Holy Spirit serves as our guide and teacher, reminding us of God’s truth and wisdom. This verse assures us that we have divine assistance and knowledge available through the Holy Spirit. By relying on His guidance, we can help ourselves and make decisions in alignment with God’s Word.
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
In our weaknesses, God’s grace is revealed, and His power is made perfect. This verse reminds us that we do not have to rely on our own strength. By acknowledging our limitations and depending on God’s grace, we can experience His power and help ourselves accomplish great things in His name.
Psalm 143:8
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
In the morning, we can seek God’s love and ask for His guidance. This verse expresses the desire for God’s direction and affirmation as we entrust our lives to Him. By relying on His unwavering love, we can confidently help ourselves and navigate our paths with His divine guidance.