Undergirded

Hebrews 4:16

13 Neither is there any creature that is not
manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and
opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest,
that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of
God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be
touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was
in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.

The word help found in the Scripture for today is also found in the story of Paul’s shipwreck on Malta during his journey to Rome in Acts 27. Detailing their voyage and the challenges they encountered, Paul states the sailors “used cables to undergird the ship” (Acts 27:17). In other words, they encircled the hull with cables to keep the ship from breaking apart in the tempest.

The word undergird is the same Greek term as the word help found in Hebrews 4:16. The writer says we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, the Lord Jesus, who sympathizes with our weaknesses. Let us come boldly to His throne, that we may be undergirded in the storms of life. When we come to God in need, He undergirds us with His strong, loving arms and makes it possible for our vessel to get through the storm without sinking under the circumstances. Because of the suffering Jesus endured, He alone can fully understand the sorrows and arrows that pierce our souls here on earth. And He alone can give us the help we need.