Fear, Pride, and Shame

Why is asking for help like the hardest thing to do? Is it because our help (should) come from the Lord alone? Is it an issue of pride? Do we feel that we don't deserve it? What is it?

For me it is a combination of all of these things. First of all, I think if the Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," then I have to do it alone with Christ. Secondly, I help others, they don't help me. Third, it will make me look bad, because I am suppossed to be perfect. Also, the problem I need help for is always probably my own fault so I should be able to get myself out. I've also used up all of my help in the past so I can't burden anyone else.

All of these thoughts flood my head when I recognize I a struggle in my life. And you know what they are? LIES!!! Lies from the enemy. Some of them were fed to me through past relationships and failures and insecurities. They are all lies that the enemy is using to keep me "stuck."

You see, "stuck" is where I remain when I can't ask for help. I try and I try. And I fail and I fail. I'm like Paul in Romans when he says, "For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing."

The feelings I have toward asking others for help directly relate to asking God for help. Funny how we can feel so intimidated by God and feel like we've somehow "used up" all the help we deserve from Him. I stand faithless and fearful before God in complete need of Him. Instead of shaking with fear I need to listen to the psalmist when they say, "Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of You, 'Seek His face!' Your face, Lord, I will seek. Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior."

And after my prayer I must let go and have the faith of the psalmist in Psalm 31:1-5 "In You, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in Your righteousness. Turn Your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since You are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of Your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for You are my refuge. Into Your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of Truth."

And what will happen? Well Gods Word says in Psalm 34:4-6 "I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles."

So instead of sitting here shaking in fear and shame, I will reach out to both God and others and seek the help that I am needing in my time of weakness. Goodbye pride, goodbye shame, goodbye fear. :)