We humans seem to feel it’s a weakness to ask for help. From refusing the bagger’s offer to take the groceries to the car to living with knee pain for seven years before finally agreeing to surgery to being reluctant to take antidepressants we want to show that we can fend for ourselves. Is it pride? Is it fear that we’re growing older and losing our independence? Is it embarrassment because we aren’t handling our emotions well and feel out of control?
There is no shame in asking for help.
The Bible gives us many examples of helpers throughout the scriptures. Starting in Genesis, God decided that Adam needed a helper. So, He gave him Eve. A person with different capabilities, a different body – someone whose abilities would complement Adam’s (Genesis 2:18).
When Moses protested that he was not a good public speaker and didn’t think he could talk to Pharaoh or convince the Israelites to follow him, God said Moses’s brother Aaron could do the talking and Moses could do the leading (Exodus 7:2).
Imagine how relieved and overjoyed the apostles were when Jesus appeared to them after the resurrection. During those 40 days he was with them, they must have felt things were back to normal. They could continue their work as evangelists and they had the risen Jesus with them as proof that he truly was the Messiah. But, then Jesus said he was going away again. Wait . . . what? He told them not to worry; he was sending them a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). This Spirit came directly from God. IS God.
We all have burdens that are too heavy to carry on our own. Maybe it’s a bag of groceries. Maybe it’s an illness, whether physical or mental. Maybe it’s grief.
Child loss is heavy. Its effects on a grieving parent last a lifetime. Grief exacerbates frailties we already have, from compromised immune systems to stage fright to anxiety to depression. And, the list goes on.
We as believers have the benefit of the Holy Spirit living in our hearts. What a great gift! But, please don’t think it’s wrong to seek help from other people. God gives each of us different capabilities and talents that complement each other. Physical strength, medical knowledge, spiritual understanding, and advocacy are only a few of the gifts a helper can provide. Don’t be ashamed to ask.
It helps.
Laura
A Light for My Path 
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