What does “the Lord is my helper” mean (Hebrews 13:6)?

Response

Citing Psalm 118:6, the author of Hebrews writes, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” «So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”», (Hebrews 13:6, ESV). Here, believers are encouraged to depend on God for all their needs, especially in times of persecution. Because the Lord is on our side, we do not have to fear anyone or anything (Romans 8:31; 1 John 4:4).

The book of Hebrews was written to inspire Christians to persevere through trials and tribulations (Hebrews 10:32-34). Hebrews 13:6, then, is not just a declaration of faith in God’s power and provision but also a reminder to hold firmly to our faith: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4; ESV). By doing so, James says, we will “receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (verse 12, ESV).

“The Lord is my helper” «So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”», (Hebrews 13:6) is a statement that signifies continual reliance on God’s omnipotence. In Psalm 46:1, the psalmist writes, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” God is a consistent source of assistance, reinforcing the concept that divine help is always accessible. ForIn every circumstance, we should seek Him «Seek the LORD and his strength, Seek his face continually. », (1 Chronicles 16:11), acknowledging that His power surpasses our own «But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. », (Matthew 19:26).

Furthermore, the author of Hebrews declares, “I will not fear” «So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me. », (Hebrews 13:6, ESV). While fear is a common emotion, particularly in challenging and uncertain times, we are encouraged to overcome it by placing our confidence in God. In Philippians 4:11–13, the apostle Paul states, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Ultimately, contentment stems from entrusting our fears and worries to God (Matthew 10:28;1 Peter 5:7).

“What can man do to me?” «So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear What man shall do unto me. », (Hebrews 13:6, ESV) poses a rhetorical question emphasizing the limitations of human power in comparison to God’s omnipotence. This is not a show of pride but a realization of the relative insignificance of human threats in the presence of an almighty God:

“Lift up your heads, you gates;

be lifted up, you ancient doors,

Lift up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

The Lord is strong and mighty,

the Lord is mighty in battle”

(Psalm 24:7-8).