When I need a source of help greater than my own self-control, what should I do?

Psalm 56:3-4When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 60:12With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.

Psalm 61:2From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

James 1:5-7If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Many experiences in our lives are beyond our control, but we are faced with the task of self-control as we deal with them. Overwhelming circumstances, fears, lack of wisdom, and opposition all remind us that we need to ask God for help.

2 Corinthians 12:6-10If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The Bible tells us that God’s power is most evident within us during our times of weakness. Our problems become God’s opportunities if we allow him to work in and through us. When we face problems or temptations too big for us, we should run to God for help and watch his power accomplish more within us than we could ever accomplish on our own.

1 Corinthians 10:13The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

It can help to know others are facing the same temptations we are. Sometimes it is necessary to confess our struggles to a godly friend or a counselor so they can partner with us in our specific struggle. It helps to have people around us who can hold us accountable.