Help!
There is something in my life that does not agree with me. It has troubled me for many years, and so these days I avoid it, wherever I can. It is DIY.
Generally, I am a calm and relaxed person, but having to do those little odd jobs around the house, I am a changed man. I turn into my own version of the incredible hulk – not a pretty sight.
When our children were young, we needed some furniture for their bedrooms and so we ordered some flat pack units: drawers, wardrobes and a bed.
Things got so bad in the construction that my wife had to take the children out as ‘Daddy was working’. She only returned after calling to check that there was peace at home!
I have concluded that DIY is not an area I am gifted in. So, these days, I get help, either from a friend or a professional who knows what they are doing!
Recently I needed some work done in our bathroom, so I got somebody in to do it. I avoided it and kept calm, they did it quickly and easily – everyone was a winner! The same week I read this in the Bible…
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
The psalmist opens with the statement that they do need help! I think that is pretty honest. To realize that we all need help from time to time is really important and true.
The Beatles got it, as the lyrics of their classic song ‘Help’ say:
When I was younger, so much younger than today,
I never needed anybody's help in any way,
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self assured,
Now I find I've changed my mind, I've opened up the doors.
I think that needing help is actually a gift from God. It makes us interdependent on other people. In other words, asking for help emphasises the idea of doing life together, not on our own, independently.
It also means we can enjoy or even thrive in what we are good at, not just for our own benefit, but to help others as well. I think there is something wonderful and satisfying to do something for another person.
The second part of the Psalm answers the opening question. The writer knew that ultimately their help came from God, the divine creator.
As a Pastor, I meet many people who have come to the realisation that they need help from God. It’s my joy to introduce them to Jesus.
Let me encourage you to offer to help others using your gifts and skills. Let me also challenge you, do you ever ask for help?
Finally, I believe that be it big or small, we all need help in life. God offers to help us. Where does your help come from?
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader