Psalms‬ ‭60:11

“Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”

What is interesting about this verse is what King David must have felt while he was in battle against his enemies. We can read the historical accounts in 2 Samuel 8 and 1 Chronicles 18, but those passages mainly record David’s victories and triumphs. They do not fully describe his struggles, his fears, or the emotions he experienced in the midst of war.

“David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his territory at the River Euphrates. David took from him one thousand chariots, seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. Also David hamstrung all the chariot horses, except that he spared enough of them for one hundred chariots. When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David killed twenty-two thousand of the Syrians. Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became David’s servants, and brought tribute. So the Lord preserved David wherever he went.” II Samuel‬ ‭8:3-6‬ ‭

Psalm 60 gives us a picture of the heart of King David during the battles, before the victories and before the celebration. Instead of focusing on triumph, King David speaks about the opposition, resistance, difficulties, and challenges he faced while the battle was still ongoing.

When we read about the victories of King David over his enemies, we may think that God did everything for David. While God is the source of victory, scripture also shows us that David still had a part to play. God works in us and for us, yet He did not create us to do nothing. He created us with purpose, in His own likeness, to walk in obedience and faith. God desires to work in us, but He also desires intimate fellowship with us. Throughout Scripture, we see that God works together with His people, not apart from them. One of my favorite examples of this is the battle of Jericho and the entry into the Promised Land. God was with Joshua and the people of Israel, fighting alongside them to drive out the giants and the nations of Canaan.

For God to bring victory and success to King David, David walked a path filled with long hours of preparation, seasons of testing, moments of struggle, and times when the outcome was uncertain. Faith did not remove the battle; it shaped how David walked through it. Also, victory did not come without effort, faith, and endurance.

Yet this does not mean that God left David on his own. Scripture clearly tells us, “…And the LORD preserved David whithersoever he went” (2 Samuel 8:14). God was present in every step, guarding him through every challenge.

We understand this truth in our own lives, especially in our work. Our coworkers have their own weaknesses. Under heavy pressure, mistakes happen. Misunderstandings arise. Things become messy. Sometimes people choose not to help because of personal reasons. In moments like these, we are reminded that human help can fall short. This is true in every area of life. Doctors can help us, but they cannot fully heal us. Therapists can guide us, but they cannot completely fill the emptiness inside. Even our husbands and wives can love us and support us, yet they too have limits.

King David declared that without God, even the strongest help is empty. This truth is powerful when we consider how the Bible describes the men who fought alongside him. David’s army was not weak or untrained. Scripture calls them mighty men of valor, warriors known for courage, strength, and skill in battle.

The Bible describes these men not as ordinary men, but as mighty men who fought alongside King David. (2 Samuel 23:8)

One of them is Josheb-basshebeth, is described as a man who “…lifted up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.” (2 Samuel 23:8)

Another, Eleazar, stood his ground when others fled, “And he arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword…” (2 Samuel 23:9–10,)

Then there was Shammah, who defended a field when “… the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines…” (2 Samuel 23:11–12)

The Scriptures also tell us about Abishai, the brother of Joab, who was chief of another group of three. He lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name among these three.” (II Samuel‬ ‭23:11-12, 18‬)

There were many more warriors like these. All of them are described by Scripture as “Mighty men of valour, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear…” (1 Chronicles 12:8)

Yet King David’s words remind us that while God may use people to help us, even the strongest human help has limits. Our ultimate help comes only from the LORD God. When human strength reaches its end, God’s strength remains.

We may trust the people around us but the truth is this, only Jesus can fully help us with every trouble we face or find ourselves in. People can support us, but they cannot heal every wound, fill every emptiness, or carry every burden. Only God can do that. Because the people around us have their own limits, their own weaknesses, and their own struggles. They may want to help, but they cannot do everything.

Like David, we can cry out to Him and say, “Give me help from all the trouble I am facing, for the help of man is useless.” LORD Jesus, You alone can fill the void and emptiness inside me. You alone can transform my life. You alone can touch people’s hearts. You alone can change lives. You alone can make a way, and You alone can lift my head high. You alone give me strength when I am weak and hope when I am weary. You alone see my struggles before I speak them. You alone go before me in every battle and remain with me in every storm. When I have no answers and no strength left, You remain faithful.

You alone, LORD Jesus, are our greatest Helper —the One who died on the cross for us, rose again, and loves us deeply. He is our refuge and our deliverer. In every season of trouble and in every moment of need, You are enough. Our very present help in times of troubles. Amen!