How does Hebrews 13:6 connect with Psalm 118:6 about God's faithfulness? Secure Confidence in a Faithful God Hebrews 13:6—New-Covenant Assurance “So we say with confidence: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” •“Say with confidence” – the Spirit invites every believer to adopt this declaration as present-tense reality. •“The Lord is my helper” – a term (boēthos) picturing swift, effective rescue; God never stands aloof. •“I will not be afraid” – a willful choice grounded in God’s character, not shifting feelings. •“What can man do to me?” – human threats shrink beside divine sovereignty (see Matthew 10:28). Psalm 118:6—The Original Battle Cry “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” •Written amid national conflict, the psalmist anchors hope in the covenant name YHWH. •Identical wording shows Hebrews is quoting this psalm verbatim, affirming Scripture’s unity. •God’s presence, not circumstance, defines safety. One Seamless Testimony of Faithfulness Hebrews reaches back to Psalm 118 to prove an unchanging truth: 1.Same declaration—word-for-word. 2.Same object of trust—the Lord Himself. 3.Same result—fearless living because God’s faithfulness outlasts every threat. 4.Same invitation—then to Israel’s king, now to every believer in Christ. Faithfulness Echoed Throughout Scripture •Deuteronomy 31:6 – “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” •Joshua 1:5 – “I will be with you, just as I was with Moses.” •Psalm 56:11 – “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” •Isaiah 41:13 – “I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand.” •Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?” •2 Timothy 4:17 – “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me.” Each passage repeats the same theme: God’s unwavering presence guarantees help, abolishes fear, and renders human opposition powerless. Practical Ways to Walk in This Promise •Memorize Hebrews 13:6; speak it aloud when anxiety surfaces. •Take note of the personal pronouns—“my helper… I will not be afraid”—and personalize the verse in prayerful affirmation. •Recall times God has already intervened; past faithfulness fuels present courage (Psalm 77:11). •Choose obedience over self-protection; fearless trust frees you to love boldly (1 John 4:18). •Encourage fellow believers with the same words; shared confession strengthens the whole body (Hebrews 10:24-25). God has authored one continuous message from Psalm 118 to Hebrews 13: He is with His people, He helps without fail, and therefore fear loses its grip. |
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