For his anger is but for a moment; his favour is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!’ (Psalm 30: 5, 10)

Be my helper, the Hebrew is 'azar. Be my support. Add to my strength. Isaiah 41 offers, "'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand ."

In its most ancient use the English "helper" means to feed another. In its modern usage it is to fulfil another's needs, further another's efforts, or advance another's purpose.

I need - truly depend on - the help of God. Without this support I bend to breaking. With this support I can survive the storm. But I have also learned I must ask for help and, crucially, must accept the help. Finding the humility to accept is often difficult.

You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever. (Psalm 30: 11-12)