I come from a long line of hard-working family members. Growing up in a single-parent household, I watched my mom go to work, care for my brother and me, and participate in additional church and social activities. As I grew older, I adopted the same strong work ethic and mindset that most tasks wouldn't be done if I didn't do it. I've served in several ministry capacities and work settings over the years. My strong work ethic and leadership skills have benefited me greatly and taught me valuable lessons. In marriage, ministry, and motherhood, I've also maintained the mindset of always needing to get things done and rarely asking for help. However, that individualistic mindset has often left me exhausted, burnt out, and resentful.
As I continue to navigate life, God is teaching and showing me the critical value of asking for help. You may be in a similar situation or struggle with asking for help, but I invite you to consider four reasons why asking for help is necessary:
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1. Asking for Help Reduces Anxiety
Asking for help can help to reduce unwanted anxiety and burdens because your load is shared. Oftentimes, we carry so much stress and anxiety because we are doing everything on our own. When we relinquish control and ask for help with daily tasks or projects, our mental loads are not as heavy. During the week, I often ask myself, “How will I get everything done?” As much as I may want to get everything done, the reality is that I won't. Once we realize that we are humans who are not perfect and have limitations, asking for help may not be as challenging.
God created us to live in a community and wants to help us share the load. Delegating tasks is healthy because it allows us to use others' gifts and minimizes carrying too much on our plates.
Philippians 4:6-7 states, “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
God wants us not to worry, but we first have to be willing to receive the help that God provides. Today, I invite you to look for the people God has placed in your path to help you lighten your load and reduce anxiety. When we know that we are not alone and have support in our corner, we can rest better, think more precisely, and be confident that God will supply all our needs.
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2. Asking for Help Utilizes the Gifts of Others in the Body of Christ
When we ask for help, we can use the beautiful gifts of others in the body of Christ. If we are not gifted or as strong in a specific area, asking for help allows another person to use their natural abilities and help divide responsibilities. God created us all differently with unique gifts and skills, and we must begin to rely on the unique gifts of others. We can hold each other up for support, encouragement, and valuable resources. Asking for help can help you learn from another person, ask questions, and build new skills.
Something compelling about relinquishing control and pride and allowing space for another person to teach and assist you is that we are all connected and strengthen God's Kingdom when we serve and work together. When we don't utilize the gifts of others, we become overwhelmed and prideful, and we miss out on witnessing the diversity of God's children.
Today, I encourage and invite you to ask for help and allow others to utilize their gifts for God's glory. Make space and room to lean on, learn from, and grow by using the gifts of others. Valuing and utilizing the gifts of other believers is a powerful way to connect, collaborate, and break free from the burden of having to do everything alone.
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3. Asking for Help Forms Community
Asking for help is another excellent way to form a community and build relationships. It allows us to step away from our silos and comfort zones to connect more. Forming community and relationships can happen when you work with someone on a project, chore, or assignment. When you ask for help, you can get to know someone better, ask questions, laugh, and break up the monotony of your daily routines. Oftentimes, we are so used to navigating our regular routines and trying to get everything done that we don't take the time to extend ourselves to others or don't have the energy to start.
When we extend ourselves and ask for help, we are encouraged, uplifted, and reminded that we are not alone. God has created us to be and live in a community. I have found great comfort when I have connected with others, listened to their stories, and heard how God has helped others overcome similar situations. Today, I encourage you to ask for help so that you can benefit from cultivating a life-giving and supportive community.
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4. Asking for Help Allows You to Be More Vulnerable and Authentic
Asking for help also allows us to be more vulnerable and authentic with ourselves and each other. When we ask for help, we publicly say we don't have it all together, we're not perfect, and we can't do everything alone. While we would love to maintain the facade of being perfect, the reality is that we're humans who aren't perfect and need support. In our continual striving, we fall short, and asking for help opens the door to acknowledging our limitations and recognizing that many people are dealing with similar struggles. We don't have to hide our struggles, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a powerful sign of strength and self-awareness.
God will never leave us alone to fight battles silently. When we step outside our comfort zone and receive God's support, we depend on God more and cry out, “I don't want to do this by myself any longer.” Today, I encourage you to remove the mask and seek desperately needed help.
God Won’t Leave You Alone
If you struggle with asking for help, I encourage you to pray to God for wisdom and courage to start today. God doesn't want you to carry the weight and burdens of life by yourself. Allow the Holy Spirit to make room for you to ask for help with boldness, trusting that your specific needs will be met. When you ask for help, you can begin to exchange anxiety for peace, isolation for community, and illusions for authenticity.
As the Body of Christ, we are much better when we serve, utilize each other’s gifts, and fulfill God’s purposes in a community. If you’ve been hesitant or unwilling to ask for help, pray to God to grant you the courage to take the first step and ask. God will lead you to the exact person and resources to help you move forward.
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Originally published Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
