Have You Asked? - 100 Days to Freedom from Depression

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2 nlt

So many of us live a life that is overflowing with things to do. It is not that those items are good or bad but rather just part of life. For example, we may be the head of a large project at work that requires lots of overtime; we may have children who are involved in sports and their final games are the same week; we might be dealing with a child who was sent home sick by the school nurse; and the car needs maintenance; and if we stop long enough, we may recognize we do not feel so good either. Just listing everything that can be on our plates is overwhelming!

But why do we try to manage everything by ourselves? Is it the belief that to be a “good Christian” we must do it all? Is it pride? Somewhere in our minds, we came to believe that sharing our needs with others is a sign that we are irresponsible, unorganized, unspiritual, not a good mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, etc. In this line of thinking, our accomplishment scale runs our lives.

Why are we like this? Maybe we don’t want to be a burden or risk being rejected. Or we’re skeptical about receiving help with no strings attached. Whatever the reason, doing life on our own and in our own strength is contrary to Scripture. In fact, God commands us to walk alongside each other (Galatians 6:2).

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows humility rather than pride. Our help can come in two ways:

• From God himself, who is eager to respond to us (Isaiah 65:24) and is known in the Bible as our provider (Jehovah-Jireh).
• From other believers, who can help us experience the blessing of being in the family of God and looking out for each other (Philippians 2:4).

You are never strong enough that you don’t need help.

César Chávez

If you are at a hard place in life, hesitant to ask for help, God invites you to ask him so he can meet your need.

David Jeremiah

For Further Reflection

Psalm 20:1; Psalm 91:15