Arise, oh Lord

“Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies’ sake”, Psalm 44:26.

In the Bible, we have about 23 Bible verses talking about God Arising. To arise, means “to be stirred up, to be awake and to prepare for action”. It is against this background that the Psalmist found himself in a critical situation, he had to say to God to arise for him and His people based on His eternal love. Yes, he was confident that nothing can separate God’s help and love from them because God cares for the oppressed and the troubled. Therefore, it is important to point out that God’s people should not be ashamed to cry to Him when things are against them or in their nation and require His attention.

If the Apostle Peter had kept quiet, he could have been drowned. The Bible noted thus: “And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?,” (Matt. 14:26-31). This implies that no matter how challenging or troublesome a situation may be, a child of God should go ahead and cry unto God to arise on his behalf. Sometimes, we find ourselves being tossed about either by financial, marital, spiritual, mental and academic storms. In such situations a child of God should not allow the devil to have the last laugh over him.

What he needs to do in practical terms is to cry to God to Arise on his/her behalf and rescue him/her. One thing is sure when God Arises there is always a great impact. We read of different stories in the Bible particularly of these three: the healing of Naaman, the woman with issue of blood and the man at the pool for 38 years. It was their contact and cry unto God that gave them succour. God is waiting to arise for somebody today, Alleluia!

However, let the child of God know that it is his/her duty to cry unto God and then it is the duty of God to intervene accordingly by His love. In Psalm 3, David was troubled because of his enemies and they felt they had overcome him. But when he cried unto God he received supernatural help.

Because of the seriousness that is required for God to Arise for His people, his appeal to Him has now been turned into song so that those who work against the children of God would be scattered. And when such happen, the believer will only but rejoice in the presence of the Lord: “Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly”, (Psalm 68:1-3).

Therefore, people of God, no matter how critical the situation may be in our nation God can still arise for us. Yes, it is never too late for Him to intervene on our behalf. Remember, for God to arise on your behalf, you need to keep an upright and righteous life. Also, allow Jesus to be the Lord of your life.

It is then, we have a confidence and it is to be rooted in “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced…”(Isaiah 41:10-13).

Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org