Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Word Study Wednesday: Help

Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (ESV)

My daughter struggled with me as I tried to help her write the number eight. "I can do it," she said as she pulled the paper away from my reach.

After a few moments, I pulled her aside for a talk. "Honey, why don't you like it when I help you?" No comment. I continued. "Is it because you feel like you're a big girl and can do it yourself?"

"Yes," she said sheepishly.

I then went on to explain that it's okay to ask for help. Then it hit me. I'm just as guilty. I think that since I'm a woman in my mid-30s, I should be able to do it all without help. The truth is, I can't.

I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed the past few weeks. Occasionally, I may have prayed for help, peace, guidance, and rest, but not consistently. It's during those times of inconsistency where I feel like I'm drowning.

The word "help" originates in Hebrew as "azar" (pronounced aw-zar). According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, it means "to surround, to protect or aid: help." Using that definition, I imagine the Lord surrounding me, helping me with my issues. Maybe like the way I stood behind and surrounded my daughter, holding her hand while helping her write eights.

Times are tough - bad economy, a lot of stress and anger, distrust of others, disappointment, and fear. Add those to personal issues and it's enough to make one feel helpless - but God is here. "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." All we have to do is ask and trust in Him.

4 comments:

Just Me said...

Another well timed, very needed reminder, Joey. Thank you!

PS.. you really need to write that daily devotional book! :)

Anonymous said...

Uh, huh, can totally relate.

About that devotional: what she said :).

Why don't they hand out Life Kits when we are born that include chocolate, water wings (for the "almost drowning" times), an ipod full of comfort or encouraging songs, a fridge full of non-harmful comfort foods, ibuprofen, several good chick flicks and a pillow?

Selah

smithsk said...

I can relate to the reluctance to ask for help. In a hostile work environment, it is seen as a sign of weakness - something that will be held against you. It's sink or swim, and most sink.

Yet, St. Peter's short prayer, while he was sinking - Lord, help me! And He did.

Joanna said...

Thank you all for your comments. I agree with SmithSK that asking for help can be seen as a sign of weakness, which may be why I'm hesitant to ask for it.