#334.4 – “Daddy, Will You Help Me?”

“But You, O LORD, be not far from me; O my strength, hurry to help me!” - Psalms 22:19
Since things have been in bloom this season, Anna’s allergies have been bothering her some, to the point that she had a pretty steady cough a few days ago. One night I had given her a sucker that had medicine in it to help suppress her coughing. I pitched it to her while she was on her bed doing her homework… and then I left the room. In just a few moments, I heard her calling my name. When I asked what she wanted; she replied that she needed help opening the sucker. ‘Oh come on Anna… surely you can do that’ I said. ‘No, I can’t; I’ve tried’ she said. Still in disbelief, I went in her room and took the sucker out of her hand and was going to show her how easy it was…
I couldn’t open it either. The wrapper had gotten stuck to the sucker itself and would not let go. I had to pull with all my might to get the thing open. When I handed it back to her, I told her that she was right and that it was tough (the next time she asks for help, I’ll know she really needs it).
I am guilty often of trying to do things on my own strength and in my own capacity and not relying on the Holy Spirit and His help. Instead of simply asking for assistance, I tend to tug at whatever it is in front of me with all my might. How quick Anna was to see that she could not do it on her own; she realized she needed help. If I would only be more childlike regarding my need for help…
Lord, I confess that I need You all the time – esp. when I think I’ve got it all under control. Help me see that I don’t and that I need you to help me to even take my next breath.

Daniel