Does God help those who help themselves?

Does God help those who help themselves? Well, first let's see if this is a biblical principle. Ok, let's open up our concordance of the bible and see if we can find the location of these words in scripture. As I fumble through my concordance I find all of these words in the bible but I can't seem to find them all together in one particular verse. Let's see. I've heard this quote for most of my life, hundreds of times over. It seems pretty popular since I even hear it among followers of Jesus Christ. I remember even seeing this quote on a plaque in High School. I've heard it quoted by politicians, actors, religious leaders, some very good people. Surely they must be taking it right out of the Bible. Some very educated people have quoted this statement. Many of them much more educated than me, surely they must know more than me, they must have experienced this quote as a real experience because they quote it with such conviction.

I have scoured the Bible, commentaries, concordances, on line resources, talked to pastors and theologians, and I cannot find this quote anywhere in the Bible. Even as a biblical principle I do not find it in scripture. It is never even hinted at in the Bible and most importantly by Jesus himself.

The quote itself comes from none other than Benjamin Franklin, a learned man. Benjamin Franklin was one of America's founding fathers and has had an enduring impact on many American philosophies. He was not, however, a follower of Jesus Christ. I can only surmise that he based his statement on his worldly knowledge without a personal active relationship with Jesus Christ, on his impersonal, imperfect, worldly knowledge and wisdom. It sounds great to all those who are unaware or not knowledgeable in the Holy Scriptures. I believed it for many years, even as a young follower of Jesus Christ. It even sounds logical. However, it is not scriptural nor even correct in principle.

The truth is that God helps those who are totally dependent upon Him and are fully devoted to Him. Think about this, followers of Jesus Christ (True Christians) are children of God. Think of yourself as a child. Did your father ever tell you to do something yourself when you were say ages 3-4, knowing you could never do it on your own and stand and watch you frustrate yourself? As imperfect as my earthly father is, he never did that. Now seeing yourself as a child of God, would He (God) tell you to do that? God wants us totally surrendered and dependent upon Him so He can get all the glory and do things perfectly and in ways we could never imagine. He wants to take the burden and stress from us so we can be at peace in His perfect peace knowing that He does all things well, even what is impossible for us. What a wonderful and loving God!! All we have to do is give it all to Him. There are times when we do need to do the things that God calls us to do in order to take part in the help He is offering, but never will we ever have to do it alone, in our own strength and resources.


...... I just had another thought. If God helps those who help themselves then Satan would be on God's throne. Satan wanted to help himself to God's throne but God did not help him accomplish that. God is the only wise, powerful, loving, pure and holy God.

Below are just four of dozens of scriptures that address this issue and may encourage you regarding God's help:

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 55:22

22 Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.

Matthew 11:28-30 (The words of Jesus Christ)

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Be blessed my friends.