Help From Above

Photo Credit: GB Sharp

September 9, 2026

Praying Friends,

On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. 

Gil Flores was working a night shift at the Galerías Playa Grande shopping centre in La Guaira when the building collapsed and trapped him beneath roughly 29 feet of rubble in a small basement security booth. Remarkably, the structure around the booth apparently created an air pocket that kept him alive.

After rescuers detected signs that he was still alive, teams from several countries worked for more than 70 hours to reach him. They had to dig carefully because the unstable rubble could collapse further. 

Eventually, on July 2, after eight days underground, they pulled him out alive. For Gil, it was literally, “help from above.”

Today, we consider how the psalmist expressed his great need for God. He has come to the last stanza of his psalm, which is captioned by the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet (Taw). He is not declaring victory or success, but rather his dependence upon the LORD. He recognized that his only help comes from above.

Notice his repeated expressions of reliance upon his God and His Word. Psalm 119:169-176 NIV:

May my cry come before you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, LORD, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

He needed understanding from God’s Word (Verse 169). The “cry” is a loud streak of grief or joy. 

This fact has never changed! May we never fail to turn to God and His Word.

He needed deliverance through God’s promises and precepts (verses 170 and 173). These promises came to life when he reached out to God for assistance. Very often the promises of God are enjoyed in the extremities of life’s circumstances.

He needed teaching from God’s decrees and commands (verses 171-172). The more he learned about God and His ways, the more he spoke of His greatness and exalted Him with words and songs of praise.

He needed true delight from God’s law (verse 174). Very often in life the greatest salvation needed is from our own selves. Our thoughts take us captive and only God’s power can deliver us (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). The liberating power of His Word will bring pure joy to our hearts.

He needed to be sustained by God’s law (verse 175). Life in Christ is a lifelong venture, and God provides the nourishment for the whole journey from start to finish. Our survival, our fulfillment, and our flourishing is sourced in the fullness of God and His Word.

He needed rescuing by God (verse 176). Because of his sinful heart and its wayward tendencies, which he likens to a wandering sheep, he found himself lost and in need of a shepherd. Our hearts are no different, and we too need the guidance and deliverance that our great Shepherd provides.

Wherever we find ourselves today, as we pray for our prodigals and for revival, may God deepen our dependence upon Him.

Warmly in Christ,

Bryan and Rachel