Introduction:
The Power of Knowing When You Need Help
Life
comes in waves, some gentle and some fierce. Whether you’re single, newly
married, or decades into marriage, there will always be moments when strength
alone is not enough. There’s wisdom in knowing when to lean on someone else.
And there’s even greater strength in choosing not to face life’s battles by
seeking the Lord for help! He never fails. David the Psalmist said in Psalm
121:1&2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my
help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and
earth.
Hebrews
4:16 is both an invitation and a revelation: God is
not offended when we ask for help. He is honoured by it. To come boldly before
the throne of grace is to say, "I cannot do this without You."
Seeking
Help Is Not a Weakness — It’s Wisdom
A
wise man once said, “Calling for help when you need it is not a sign of
weakness but a sign of wisdom”! Too often, we suffer in silence,
thinking that asking for help is a sign of failure. But even Jesus, facing the
cross, went into Gethsemane and asked His disciples to stay and pray with Him Matthew
26:36–38. If the Son of God could express vulnerability, we too must
embrace the courage to ask for help.
In
relationships, whether preparing for marriage or navigating complexities in a
marriage, there are seasons where help becomes essential.
- Singles:
Preparing for marriage requires learning. Don’t romanticise the idea of
marriage without understanding its weight. Get counsel, read relevant
books, and ask questions.
- Married Couples:
When the storms of life hit, be it conflict, loss, infidelity, financial
strain, or communication breakdowns, seek help early. Healing delayed
often becomes healing denied.
Examples:
God Honours Those Who Ask
The
Shunammite Woman – 2 Kings 4:18–37
When
her son died suddenly, she didn’t cry in despair; rather, she ran for help.
Her journey to Elisha was driven by faith and clarity: "It is well."
Her bold action brought her son back to life. Had she kept quiet, the story
might have ended in tragedy.
Moses
and Jethro – Exodus 18:13–24
Moses
was overwhelmed with the burden of leading Israel alone until Jethro, his
father-in-law, observed and advised him. Moses didn’t resist help. He listened,
learned, and delegated. His leadership improved because he was humble enough
to listen.
David
and Nathan – 2 Samuel 12
When
David fell into sin, it was help in the form of correction that saved
him. Nathan confronted him, and David repented. Sometimes help comes through
rebuke. Don’t resist it.
Practical
Marriage Issues That Require Help
- Communication Problems:
Knowing how and when to talk is a skill. If your words do
not build up, seek counsel. Don’t normalise dysfunction.
- Resolving differences:
Differences are inevitable, but destruction is optional. Our differences
are not to drive us apart; rather, it is to strengthen us. Learn how to
handle differences from the appropriate quarters and not from movies or
friends, but from godly mentors and Christian counsellors. Psalm 1:1 Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in
the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
- Infidelity & Domestic
Violence: These are not burdens to bear
alone. Seek spiritual, professional, and legal help where necessary.
Staying silent can destroy more than just your marriage; it can destroy
your soul.
- Mental Health &
Emotional Struggles: Depression, anxiety,
trauma all exist, even in Christian homes. Talk to someone. Healing is
available when help is embraced.
Choose
Wisdom Over Pride
God
never designed us to walk alone. One of His strategies for our success is counsel.
“Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” Proverbs
15:22 (ESV). Don’t isolate yourself. Seek godly mentors. Go for
counselling. Talk to your pastor. Read books. Join marriage enrichment programs.
Call
to Action:
- Are you currently facing
a challenge in your relationship or personal life? Don’t delay; reach
out today.
- For Singles:
Don’t wait until you say “I do” before seeking wisdom about marriage.
- For Married Couples:
Don’t assume things will "just get better." Invest in your
marriage. Get help when you need it!