Why Is Asking for Help So Hard?
These past few weeks at work, I realized something about myself: I really do have an issue with reaching out for help when I need it.
I work on a ticketing system, and I had noticed that my open ticket numbers were higher than the rest of my team’s. Not because I wasn’t working, but because I was putting the tickets on hold to do “further research.” What really was happening? Those tickets just sat there… and sat there… and sat there… until I finally built up the courage to ask for help.
Why is it that we do that? Why do we wait so long to ask for what we need? Why do we choose to struggle in silence instead of leaning on the resources around us?
The truth is, asking for help feels like weakness. But in reality, it’s wisdom. It’s humility. It’s acknowledging that we weren’t created to carry everything on our own.
This reminds me of a few verses in the Bible:
John 16:23 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
Matthew 7:7 (NIV): “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
Jesus didn’t say, “Figure it out on your own and maybe I’ll step in.” He said ask. He said seek. He said knock.
So why do we treat God—and even the people He’s placed around us—as if they’re our last resort instead of our first?
I think many of us hesitate because we’re afraid of being a burden, afraid of looking incapable, or afraid of being told “no.” But Scripture reminds us that asking is not just allowed—it’s encouraged. God delights in our dependence on Him. And He often places people in our lives as extensions of His provision.
This week, I’m challenging myself (and maybe you too) to stop letting pride or fear keep me from asking. Because the longer we wait, the heavier the load becomes. And sometimes the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for is just on the other side of a simple question: “Can you help me?”
💛 Prayer
Father,
Thank You for reminding me that I was never meant to carry everything on my own. Help me to let go of pride, fear, and the need to have it all together. Teach me to come to You first—to ask, to seek, and to knock with confidence that You hear me. Surround me with people who reflect Your love and wisdom, and give me the courage to reach out when I need help.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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Drop a comment below, share this post with someone who needs encouragement today, or save it as a reminder for the next time you need a reminder that God encourages us to ask for the help we need — from Him or from those He places in our lives. Let’s rise in His presence, renew in His grace, and repeat it together.
