Asking for help doesn't come easily to everyone. Whether we see it as a sign of weakness or are convinced that we can manage everything on our own, many of us wait until we're almost at breaking point before we request or accept a helping hand.
In spite of the reluctance that we often have to rely on others, we can't avoid having to do so at times. Everyone from successful business owners and powerful politicians to freelance writers and stay-at-home parents depend in some way or another on others. It's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, God never created us to be entirely independent beings. We're made to need each other and, more importantly, to need Him.
So what holds us back from asking for support?
Fear of rejection is one of the reasons that we can be opposed to asking God for help. If we feel that in the past He hasn't heard or answered our pleas, we can mistakenly think that maybe the problem we brought to Him wasn't important enough or was too complicated to solve. But remember, no one who puts their trust in the Lord will be put to shame (Psalm 25:3) and just because God doesn't always respond to our prayers in the way that we hoped, it doesn't mean He doesn't help us. He just gives us what we need, which isn't always the same as what we want.
So, if you find it tough asking God for help on anything from school exams to surviving a testing time, let these seven psalms spur you on.
Psalm 16:1 - Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.
Psalm 38:21-22 - Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Saviour.
Psalm 70:5 - But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 79:9 - Help us, God our Saviour, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.
Psalm 86:6-7 - Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.
Psalm 119:153-154 - Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.
Psalm 143:1 - Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.
