Ask for what you need
Getty
I was trying to take everything upstairs and struggling to manage it. Though I was cradling a group of fairly light items, I didn’t have enough room in my arms to lug them all up to my room.
With every careful step, I tried my best to keep my balance. Otherwise, stuff would have gone flying and spilling everywhere. I was walking so gingerly and deliberately, doing my best not to make any sudden movements.
That’s when I noticed Kyla, our eldest daughter, staring at me. She had a peculiar look on her face, a slight grimace, as if she were trying to figure something out.
“What?” I questioned, wondering what was behind the inquisitive look.
“Do you need help, Mom?” she asked in that soft, sweet voice.
That’s when I realized how ridiculous I looked trying to cart all those things by myself. I grinned and said, “Yes, thank you!”
Then, as she sprang into action, doing her part to lighten my load, I laughed and told her, “It never occurred to me to just ask for help!”
We both chuckled. I really didn’t think about it. I thanked her again after she assisted me and got me all situated. I reiterated how I should have requested help to begin with, but just didn’t consider that option.
Have you ever, like I did, attempted to do too much at once, without requesting a helping hand when you needed one? Honestly, I think we all make that mistake from time-to-time, both naturally and spiritually. That’s why I’m so grateful that on our journey of faith, God is gracious, like Kyla was, to offer the help we need in order to make it through.
Psalm 46:1, a scripture I quote often, says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
That word “help” in this verse is the Hebrew word ezrah (Pronounced ez-raw’), which means help, helper, assistance, or support.
Unfortunately, many times, we don’t use the ezrah, assistance or support that’s available to us, because we get used to doing things on our own. We try to carry it all, manage it all, juggle it all and balance it all by ourselves.
But friend, you don’t have to be alone or unsupported on your journey. You don’t have to be a superhero and launch out on a major mission in your own power
God is saying to you today, I am here.
“When you call upon the name of the Lord, He shows up and does great things. Invite Him into your situation. It delights Him to move in your favor! ”
He wants to help you. He wants to support your efforts. He wants to undergird and assist you. Even though you may know this already, it can be very easy to take for granted that He’s there and fail to ask for His help.
You need to literally invite God into your circumstances. Welcome Him into your situation. Confidently request His presence and miracle-working power in your life. And when I say confidently request His presence, I mean do what Hebrews 4:16 says: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
The word “boldly” in Hebrews 4:1 is the Greek word, parrésia (Pronounced par-rhay-see'-ah), which means freedom and openness in speech; boldness, confidence. In this context, boldly means confidently, without reservation, make your request for help made known to God.
You have the right; the freedom of speech; the power; the authorization; and the liberty to go to the Lord with anything.
Isn’t that awesome?
Because Jesus Christ, our advocate, has redeemed us with His blood and given us access to the Father through Him, we have the privilege of communicating our needs to God.
He hears your prayers, responds to your cries for help and willingly meets your needs. You are His child, His beloved, His special treasure. He loves hearing from you.
Go to the throne. Cry out to Him. Ask for His help. He will move on your behalf. He will make ways out of no way; open doors that are closed tightly; deliver you where you’re bound; and give strength where you’re weak.
The Lord wants you to ask for what you need and He’ll do it according to His will.
To help you remember to call on His mighty name, I’m stirring Psalm 50:15 into your cup of inspiration, which says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me."
As you drink down the contents of your cup, if you have been trying to juggle it all on your own, make a fresh commitment to ask God for help. Invite Him into your circumstances. Stop trying to manage everything on your own and come running to Him. He is the One who has all power!
He delights in showing up for you. All you have to do is confidently, without reservation, go to the throne of grace. Ask for what you need. God is standing by, ready and willing to help.
Now let’s pray.
God, thank You for Your son Jesus Christ who has given Me access to Your throne of grace. Right now, I give my petitions, problems and situations over to You. I need your help! I lay my burdens at Your feet, trusting that You will work all things out according to Your perfect will and timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
