One of the hardest things to admit is that help is needed. It can be humiliating and humbling. Why? Because of pride. Pride says that I can do it myself. Humility says that I am not sufficient in myself.
For nearly a year, my health has been crumbling. Since I have dealt with chronic illnesses for 44 years, I thought I could handle it. And yet... no matter what I tried, nothing helped. My health continued to decline. Every day was a struggle to get through work and the basics of survival at home. Outside activities became too difficult to do or took much planning to rest for a couple days after the activity. Finally, I came to the place of admission that I needed help and reached out to my doctor.
As my doctor appointments approached, I asked God for wisdom and direction. Of course, I had my own ideas of what would bring healing. God in His wisdom had other plans and gently prepared me for them.
The doctors were kind but firm, giving clear direction. I had to be willing not just to seek their help, but follow their direction. A year of striving to solve things on my own had to end. I had to give in and allow someone else to show me how to fight for health effectively. This is not easy. For several weeks, my life must change as I follow doctor's advice to return to health. Rest is difficult for me, but exactly what is needed along with learning new ways to handle the progression of the chronic illnesses. I must realize that I cannot do it on my own. I must be humble enough to ask for help.
Our gracious God does answer our cries for help as we humbly come to Him. Not only did God give direction through the doctors, but also is bringing refreshment to a very weary spirit. My time of rest began with a live-stream conference and continues with a study of the Psalms.
The Psalmist often humbly expressed his need for help from our Lord. Look at Psalm 86, Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Psalm 86:1-4
Lament and Petition
A Davidic prayer.
1 Listen, Lord, and answer me,
for I am poor and needy.
2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.
You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
3 Be gracious to me, Lord,
for I call to You all day long.
4 Bring joy to Your servant’s life,
because I turn to You, Lord.
for I am poor and needy.
2 Protect my life, for I am faithful.
You are my God; save Your servant who trusts in You.
3 Be gracious to me, Lord,
for I call to You all day long.
4 Bring joy to Your servant’s life,
because I turn to You, Lord.
This time of learning to ask for help is a time of leaning on our great God. He will carry me through as I lean on Him and not on my own strength. He is our Provider and Sustainer!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers
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