8:00AM: Vanguard Scouting (LDS) Daily Devotions

Friday, 07/21: Helpful

Scripture

Psalm 54:4 – “Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.”

Thought for the Day

There is no better illustration of this point of the Scout Law than our own Scout Slogan; “Do a good turn daily.” You may be starting your day with these devotions. If so, be thinking even now. how you can be helpful to your tentmate, the Scouts in your unit and other Scouts and Scouters you meet throughout the day. If you are closing your day with these devotions, examine your day. Where were you helpful? Did you miss an opportunity to help another Scout or Scouter? And who was there to be helpful for you? The last question can never be realistically answered, “no one.” A person of faith is never alone. Even on our toughest days, when it seems like a helping hand is nowhere to be found, the psalmist reminds us of the constant, helpful presence of God.

David was on the run from King Saul who was trying to kill him and was hiding in a place called, Ziph. Far from helpful, some of the residents leaked the information that David was hiding among them to Saul. David sought help from the place he knew he could count on as he had many times before – Almighty God. He confidently identifies his total trust in God as his helper and supporter. Betrayal by the people of Ziph placed David in great danger, but he remained sure that God was on his side and would take his part in this situation. God would sustain him and bear him up and out of the danger. Despite any personal inconvenience it may pose, a Scout should always strive to be as helpful as possible. It is the Scout who can and should be relied upon when the going gets tough. God is our ever-present help in times of trouble. If this is an attribute of God, we ought to consider it an honor to emulate God and be helpful ourselves.

Questions for Discussion

• Think about the day ahead. Can you identify in advance any ways you can be helpful above and beyond normal expectations?
• How do you feel when you get help from an unexpected source? Do you think you would enjoy making others feel that same way?

Prayer

God of all help; use me today to be a source of help. Let me be the way to lighten someone’s burden and make their day more pleasant, even memorable. May I be always reminded that as You help me every day, I honor You by helping others. A Scout is helpful. Amen.