I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, “Where’s the self-help section?” She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. —George Carlin
God helps those who help themselves, right? Well, not exactly. Actually, not even close. The bookstore does have a complete “self-help” section telling us we’re supposed to survive life’s toughest seasons by our own strength—that we’re in this alone. But nothing could be further from the truth. The truth is much more powerful, much more profound, and much more incredible:
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)
Everything we need to live a godly life comes through knowing Him. Don’t get me wrong. Peter doesn’t promise life will be easy or carefree. He does say that we have everything we need to not just survive—but thrive—in a life that experiences Christ.
Through these [Jesus] has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature… (2 Peter 1:4)
What? We can “participate in the divine nature” in His glory and goodness —because we have everything needed to live a godly life through Christ? Is it possible that through the presence of Jesus’ Spirit in us, we are that close, that intimate with Him right here, right now?
This is powerful Scripture. God’s power has given us everything we need to live as He wishes:
- We don’t have to pray for strength. Jesus is our strength.
- We don’t have to struggle to love people. He loves through us.
- We don’t have to wait for joy. He is our joy.
No, we don’t need to help ourselves. We lack nothing. Why? Because God lives in us.
That’s truth.
God with me, that’s it, that’s the prayer. Amen.