Before I graduated, I thought my life was fairly under control, but pretty soon, I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression. After college, I found a job I was excited about, but even so, many days felt like I was living in a dark cloud, scared, confused and disoriented. “What’s wrong with me?” I kept asking myself, trying to drum up enough courage and enthusiasm to make it through the day. I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew I wasn’t supposed to live like this. I longed to be emotionally healthy again, but found I couldn’t get there myself.
As painful as it was, I started to seek help. I met with a professional counselor and jumped into a local church. It was hard admitting to myself and others I wasn’t perfect, but God slowly brought healing. It was such a relief to see I didn’t have to keep trying to solve all my problems on my own.
Walking through this process, I discovered that my reluctance to accept help was just pride. It took me years to admit my problems were bigger than I could handle. I didn’t like to think of myself (or have other people view me) as weak or dependent. I wanted to solve my own issues, but I was missing out on God’s love.
That first step of moving toward health feels dangerous. God doesn’t promise that asking for or receiving help is easy. In my experience, it’s usually hard, especially if you’re dealing with heart issues. But it’s worth it. There is often more help available than we think. We just have to ask for it.
The Psalms are full of invitation and response. Psalm 120:1 says, “I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.” Even so, for me, each day is a struggle to put aside pride and believe that asking for and accepting help is good. Although it’s a struggle, I can’t think of one instance where I regret admitting my need. Isaiah 30:18a says, “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion.” Knowing this about God has given me the freedom to call to Him and say, “Help, please!”
Resources:
Looking for more thoughts on seeking God in the Psalms? Check out these titles:
- Drawing Near to the Heart of God by Cynthia Heald
- Speak Lord by Vic Black
Oldies but goodies by Eugene Peterson (translator of The Message Bible):
