THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
A different translator remarks that God speaks 'to the weary,' while another mentions 'to the broken.' Although he was a king, he often refers to himself as poor and wretched; indeed, he states, 'I am poor and wretched' (Psalms 39:18). He understood distinctly that all earthly matters are transient, akin to shadows, and that our only true possession is virtue. All else resembles fallen leaves, detached from us. The fact that virtue belongs to us is clear: it accompanies us wherever we go, unlike other things which are external and not ours. Just as we identify those close to us as our own, we also regard virtue as more significant than riches, for it remains ever-present.
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Consider the thankful and wise spirit of the prophet; despite having horses, an army, and numerous possessions, he chooses to call out for divine assistance, placing his entire trust in God. He did not claim, 'my refuge lies in armies, wealth, or strongholds,' but rather, 'the Lord is a refuge for the needy.' He states that God Himself has provided his safety. This refuge surpasses all in both accessibility and security; other sources of refuge are vulnerable to dangers and are not always readily available. In contrast, this refuge is near, as long as one earnestly seeks it. 'Then you will call, and He will answer: Here am I!' (Isaiah 53:9); ‘Am I a God near at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off?’ (Jeremiah 23:23). There is no need for us to flee or undertake journeys; we can find this refuge even within the confines of our homes. At times, God rescues us from peril, and at other times, He uses adversity to strengthen us, making us more glorious than our adversaries, dispensing both grace at the right moment. If those who discover this refuge conduct themselves with humility, He grants them both aid and triumph; however, if they lack complete virtue, He may restrict their assistance to the first aspect so as to prevent them from becoming prideful once they receive the latter. Indeed, this can lead to arrogance, as shown in the case of Hezekiah, who fell into pride for this very reason; yet God did not abandon him. Instead, recognizing that his newfound pride stemmed from a victorious disposition, He guided him towards repentance through illness (Isaiah 38:1). 'A helper in due time, in trouble'? At the right moment, at an appropriate time. Here, the prophet highlights the dual aspect of God's assistance: He comes to our aid, and His aid occurs at the right moment, particularly in times of tribulation. Why is this so? Because tribulation is the mother of wisdom, capable of rescuing us from death and especially drawing God's assistance; it eradicates lethargy and indifference, prompting us to be more fervent in prayer. Just as adverse weather is the most fruitful time for planting, tribulation offers a unique opportunity for nurturing our souls. While we always require God's aid during times of prosperity, His assistance is especially crucial when we face trials. The term 'helper' implies that we too must take action, illustrating that assistance is given to those who contribute effort. Therefore, we must not remain idle but must actively engage in prayer, charitable deeds, and all other forms of righteousness. Allies assist those who strive and not those who are defeated and inactive. If you desire to receive help from God, do not neglect the responsibilities that are yours to fulfill. Thus, Job found aid due to his resilience and determination, as did the apostles, who were active in their endeavors.