Thursday, February 03, 2011

Help Me, God

Last week Matthew came home from school with information about a mentoring/tutoring program. Twice a week, for one hour each afternoon, students from the high school will be coming over to spend time with the younger kids - helping with homework, and just spending time with them.
Matthew's teacher had recommended this program as something which would be good for him. And as I read about the opportunity, I agreed. School is a struggle for Matthew and the thought of a 'cool' teenager coming along side of him to help seemed great to me. (I remember looking up to the older kids in school!)
But Matthew seemed hesitant. A little embarrassed, I guess.
So I told him it's OK to need help. And when you need help, it's a really good idea to get it!
Such wisdom, yes?
But I began to have a problem with it.
As in, I realized how much I need help, and how resistant I can be to accepting it.
While I was encouraging Matthew in his participation in this tutoring thing, I began feeling bad about myself. If I was good enough, Matthew wouldn't need a tutor. And suddenly I thought this program was a reflection of me being 'not good enough'.
In another realm, we're in the process of trying to get a grip on my good day/bad day cycle. On my good days, I can hardly understand why there's a problem. But on my bad days, I cannot deny the fact that I need help. Even so, there is a part of me that wants to figure out and overcome the problem by myself. In my own strength. (Seeing that statement in writing helps me recognize it's foolishness.)

So, there it is. Out in the open. I.need.help. I can't do it on my own.
And that's OK.
But, where does my help come from?
Though it may come in the form of a teenager, or a doctor, or a good friend, I know my help comes from God, alone. And it is in HIM that I will trust.


Karen

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you...

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
KJV "grin"

Blessings my sweet friend...:O}

TheUnSoccerMom said...

Psalm 121
1 I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. 4 Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. 5 The LORD protects you; the LORD is a shelter right by your side. 6 The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. 7 The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. 8 The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.


Asking for help is a struggle for me too. But that's okay. I'll pray for you and you pray for me. :o)

Karen Hossink said...

Debby Ann - I know that's you, my KJV buddy! *wink*
So glad for HIS presence today! (And your friendship. *grin*)

Jodi - It's a deal.
Father in heaven, in the midst of the struggle, I thank You. I thank You for Your presence and the knowledge that You will help us through every day.
God, I thank You, too, that You know our needs even better than we do, and that You're able to meet them. Every one.
You know the struggle Jodi and I both have in asking for help - in humbling ourselves and receiving the grace You offer. So today I am lifting up my dear sister to You and asking You to bring Jodi to a place where she is able to openly and willingly ask You for help. I know You're looking upon her, just waiting for her to ask. Thank You for Your patience, Father. Please assure Jodi of Your love for her and Your desire to help.
Thank You, God, that our neediness doesn't frighten You or make You want to turn away. Thank You, God, for Your perfect love!
I'm praying in the wonderful, powerful, beautiful, matchless Name of JESUS. Amen and amen!

Ronel said...

Earlier this week I was overwhlemed with being stuck with my leg in the air & I so badly wanted to feed my emotions.... instead I sent out an email to some close girlfriends asking for prayer.... I know God was there to help & support me even if it camein the form of girlfriends. I just love when He places people in our lives to help us in our time of need.

Karen Hossink said...

Ronel - Yes, HE comes to us in so many ways. I love it, too!

Cindy said...

My memory verse for the week is Psalm 105:4: Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.

I need his strength and help on a daily basis.

Love,

Cindy

Karen Hossink said...

Cindy - Oh, how I need to look to HIM! This is a great verse on which to be focusing.

gianna said...

And then you posted the lady who sings just like you!

Karen Hossink said...

Gianna - You are too kind! ;o)