Many of us struggle to ask for help. We want to carry our own burdens. We want to take care of business on our own.

But Isaiah reminds us that when we are the Lord’s, the best thing we can do is ask him for help. Because the benefits of asking God for help are huge!

1. We will tap into God’s grace — his free and faithful love will be ours
2. We will receive a timely answer to our requests
3. We will find strength, courage and perseverance for times of adversity
4. We will be given mentors, coaches and teachers to guide us
5. We will be given guidance and assurance that we are on the right track

With benefits like that, we need to seriously reconsider any reluctance we might have when it comes to asking for help.

Especially when it comes to asking God for help!

“People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:19-21, NIV).

Lord Jesus, forgive me for trying to be too independent and always try to carry my own load. I know that you want to bear my burdens, because on the cross you bore the biggest burden of all — the sins of the entire world. I want all the benefits of asking for your help. Help me to remember to ask for your help daily.

Our Bible reading for Sunday, September 13, is Isaiah 30:19 – 32:20, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14 and Proverbs 22:17-27.

Header image based on "five" by woodleywonderworks, CC By 2.0