One of the most important things that people who are successful do—that unsuccessful people often do not do —is to ask for help. I want to share why asking for help isn’t just a smart thing to do—it’s biblical.
If you’re someone who finds it uncomfortable to ask for help, you’re not alone. Maybe you think it’s a sign of weakness. I get it. In our Western culture, we’re taught to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps. But in the process, we sometimes miss out on the beauty and power of sharing our needs with others.
The Biblical Foundation for Asking for Help
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (NIV). God intended for us to live in community and help each other. Another verse I often think about is Proverbs 11:14: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (ESV). The Bible makes it clear that seeking help, wisdom, and guidance is not only wise but necessary.
Asking for help requires us to embrace humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” When we humble ourselves enough to reach out, we open the door for God to work through others to meet our needs.
Why Asking for Help is a Smart Choice
Life can be really tough. We all face challenges, whether it’s financial struggles, emotional burdens, or health problems. When you refuse to ask for help, you miss opportunities to solve those problems.
You have people in your world right now who are more than willing to help.
Praying and trusting God, that doesn’t mean that we’re in a cul-de-sac just going around in circles, just sitting or spinning our wheels. We trust God because ultimately we know there are a lot of things in life we have no control over. Trusting is an action verb: it means we do the things we know to do along the way.
- If you’re sick, you pray for healing and go see a doctor.
- If you’re struggling emotionally, you pray, but you also speak to a counselor or a pastor.
You have people in your world right now who are more than willing to help you if you ask. You just have to take that first step.
Overcoming Barriers to Asking for Help
I know asking for help can feel difficult. For some of us, our pride gets in the way. We’ve been taught to be self-sufficient, and we don’t want to look weak. For others, it’s fear. What if someone judges us or says no?
Jesus gives us a clear promise in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (NASB).
Asking for help is never a sign of weakness—it requires strength. It takes courage to recognize your limits and faith to believe that God will provide through others.
Don’t just think about it—do it.
Practical Steps to Seek Help Intentionally
When we understand God’s intention for our life, not only is God given the glory for it, but our lives are better for it.
So, how do you go about asking for help? Here are five steps to see your life transformed:
- Evaluate Your Needs.
Be honest with yourself about where you’re struggling. Is it a financial issue? A health concern? A relationship challenge? Be specific about what kind of help you need.
- Choose Your Support Wisely.
Reach out to people you trust. This could be a close friend, a family member, your pastor, or even a professional. If you’re depressed, that can be clinical. Talk to a medical doctor, a counselor, or a pastor to help create a plan.
- Pray for Guidance.
Ask God to guide you to the right person and give you the words to say. Trust that He will open the right doors.
- Take Action.
Don’t just think about it—do it. Reach out, explain your situation, and be open to receiving help. Remember, when we see a need, we fill it. We’re not only heart people; we’re hands people.
- Express Gratitude.
When someone helps you, thank them. This builds relationships and encourages a cycle of kindness.
The Blessing of Asking for Help
Asking for help opens the door to more than what you receive; it also a blessing to others. When you let someone help you, they experience the joy of giving. If you let somebody help you, they’re going to get a blessing out of that too. That’s part of the beauty of how God designed us to live in community.
By asking for help, you have the opportunity to see God’s provision in action. Sometimes He answers our prayers in ways we don’t expect—like through the kindness and generosity of others.
Living Intentionally by Embracing Help
Asking for help is a key part of living intentionally. It’s about stepping out in faith, humbling yourself, and taking deliberate action. We all have a choice. We can live scattered, jumping from one thing to another, or we can live intentionally, aligned with God’s will.
When you take the step to ask for help, you choose to live with purpose, trusting God to provide what you need.
So, what’s one area where you need help today? Reach out, trust God, and let others be part of your journey. Intentional living is about doing the next right one thing. What’s your next step? Take it today, and you’ll be amazed at what happens when you do.
Let’s become more intentional together.
We are on a journey to live our lives intentionally for Christ. Each day we share with a bite-sized nugget of truth and discuss it with you – our listeners. Our time together helps us all in pursuit to know what pleases Christ and how we can achieve it. Intentional Living offers practical, biblical experiences to demonstrate how we can best navigate and celebrate this life God so graciously gives us. Check out how you can join us on this journey.
