六月十七日

耶和華啊，求你幫助……（詩12：1）

這個禱告是很特殊的，因爲非常簡短，但這個禱告却是很合時，很生動，幷且很能提醒人。大衛因爲世上的忠信人太少而傷感起來，當人靠不住的時候，他便投靠造物主。他也感到自己的軟弱，否則他便不會求神幫助了；同時他自己也願意爲真理努力，否則要“幫助”作什麽用。這幾個字可以叫我們看出他的知覺是直截了當而判然分明的，他的說法是很清晰灑脫的，比那嘴唇上敬畏之人的冗長的禱詞有意義得多了。詩人的禱告幷不兜圈子，他乃是開門見山，直接把他經過周密考慮的禱告陳到神面前；他知道他所求的是什麽，幷知道到那裏求。有很多時候我們用得著這個禱告。在神所允准的苦難中，受苦的信徒找不到什麽幫助的時候，這個禱告是多麽合適呀！

研究主道的人在道理上有什麽困難時，向聖靈，我們的大教師這樣呼求說“耶和華啊，求你幫助”，就必得到指教。屬靈的戰士心中若有什麽爭戰也可以到寶座那裏這樣禱告。從事天工的人在缺乏的時候也能因此得到恩典。在疑惑和恐懼之中的罪人，若用這禱詞也必找到他們所要尋求的。事實上，無論何事、何時、何地，這個禱告都能幫助一切有缺乏的人。活著或將死的人、受苦或勞苦的人、快樂和憂傷的人都能這樣禱告說：“耶和華啊，求你幫助”。他是我們的幫助，我們要常呼求他，切不要疏忽懈怠。我們的禱告若奉耶穌的名獻上，神就必答應。他的神性就是保證。

“不要怕，我必幫助你”，便是他可靠的應許。

June 17

"Help, Lord." -- Psalm 12:1

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication--when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word "help" is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner.

The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of "Help, Lord," to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. "Help, Lord," will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In Him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to Him.

The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord's character assures us that He will not leave His people; His relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us His aid; His gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and His sure promise stands, "Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE."