The phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not found in the Bible, nor is its connotation.

We know that God helps those who don't help themselves, because,

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

Amazing Grace right there. We get what we don't deserve.

However, there is a strong Scriptural basis for the understanding that we do reap what we sow, for better or worse.

Call it Proverbs brain, but I am mixing metaphors quite a bit these days.

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered.
Proverbs 11:25

So, imagine with me...

Your acquaintance is a chrysanthemum. Your friend is a rose. Your spouse is a hydrangea.

When we water the flowers in our lives, we might as well water ourselves. Water is life. When you give life to people, you experience life. Watching flowers bloom and grow is satisfying.
Life-giving is, well, life-giving.

What is watering?

• Bringing a meal to an ill friend or new mom.
• Speaking a kind or God-given word over someone.
• Making eye contact, smiling, and demonstrating genuine interest in people.
• Befriending someone on the fringes.
• Writing a letter to a relative.
• Visiting the sick and imprisoned.
• Cleaning, driving, shopping, or babysitting for someone who is overwhelmed or unable.
• Giving an anonymous gift of money.
• Whatever you can think of that would likely bless you.

Our heavenly Father wants us to water our flowers because He knows that, whether the flowers themselves bring us joy in the present, we experience His power, presence and purpose as we do good unto others.

I believe there is no greater investment in your eternal life than to give life to another.

That's why Jesus came. And He was rewarded with a seat at the right hand of the Father, at which every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.

Be filled to overflowing, and water your people with life.

Why do you complain, Jacob?
    Why do you say, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord;
    my cause is disregarded by my God”?
Do you not know?
    Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
    and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:27-31

I don't really have much more to say other than to point out that

1) Our lives, no matter how messy or small or awful they seem, are fully visible to God, and He is fully invested in them, and

2) We are meant to run and not run out. We are designed to live in the presence of God continually, and there is where we find power. Power to rise above any negative situation or influence. Power to overcome any setbacks or roadblocks or generational sin. Power to live today, in the moment, be with the people you are with, and with your God always.

We are powerful, friends. And it's not some self-evoked nonsense. It is the power of the everlasting God who does not grow weary. You and I can't wrap our minds around this because we are in small bodies. But never forget that in that small body there is a big soul, a soul that can be driven and controlled by YHWH, the God who was and is and is to come.

We need to know this and speak this truth to ourselves. We need to immediately return to His presence the moment we sense we have wandered because it is only there that we have wings.

Fly, people. You are sons and daughters of the King.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12

As we're stumbling into the second half of 2016, my heart is prone to wander to discouragement and defeat.

I have failed. Personally. Spiritually. Relationally. Professionally.

This is the truth. Yet, I am not a failure.

As children of God, we sin. But we are not sinners.

Sinners are slaves to sin, but we are children of God.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15

Brothers and sisters, there is no need to fear the future.

Our confession daily must be, "I have sinned. Keep me near You. Give me a willing spirit."

He has provided for every need. We are simply to present ourselves, vessels. He even makes us willing.

What sustenance do you need to walk in willing victory?

Let me ask you this: Do you long for a pure heart? It is yours. No catch.

Do you want a steadfast spirit? Wish granted.

Is your heart's desire to live in His presence continually? Approach His throne of grace with boldness.

Because He not only tells us what's right, He makes us able to receive the grace to do it.

I am so helpless but so willing. By His grace, I will to live with a pure heart in the presence of the Lord of Hosts.

Grant us willing spirits, Lord. Holy Spirit, nourish us.