Todays verse: Matthew 7:7-8 (nrsv)
“Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Why is it so hard to ask for help? At the first sign of struggle or loss, why do we struggle with the words, I need help? Sometimes our pride or our fears stop us from asking for help. Sometimes we just don’t know how or who to ask for help. The most interesting point for me is that we all need help sometime is our lives!
I work a lot with support teams, care teams and Stephen ministries and the number one struggle with getting teams up and going is getting the care receivers to accept help. God tells us over and over that he is here, waiting for us, all we have to do is ask. But we don’t always do it.
If you need help, ask for it. You might be surprised how many people are waiting to walk with you. If you want to help someone ask, you might be surprised by the response. For both sides be up front, concise and honest in your request. Most importantly, both sides need to set and hold appropriate boundaries. There are professionals who can help you on both paths, giving and receiving.
In the words of a famous philosopher: (John Lennon)
I need somebody (Help) not just anybody (Help) you know I need someone (Help)
so much younger than today (I never needed) I never needed anybody's help in any way (Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone) I'm not so self-assured (and now I find) Now I find I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being 'round Help me get my feet back on the ground Won't you please, please help me?
My independence seems to vanish in the haze (But) but every now and then (now and then) I feel so insecure (I know that I) I know that I just need you like I never done before
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down And I do appreciate you being 'round Help me get my feet back on the ground Won't you please, please help me?
When I was younger, so much younger than today I never needed anybody's help in any way (Now) but now these days are gone (these days are gone) I'm not so self-assured (and now I find) Now I find, I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors
Peace,