Many times we do not want to bother other people and do not require their help. We must learn to trust and rely on our loved ones.
“This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24
The merit we get as people when we conquer a goal when we overcome a test, is highly gratifying, adding an extra bonus if we accomplish the task by our own means, without any help. Of course, this is a very good thing, but at the same time, it is something to be very careful about because the line between self-sufficiency and pride is very thin.
“Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings the darkness before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but he will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom. If you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly, overflowing with tears, because the Lord’s flock will be taken captive.” Jeremiah 13:15-17
We learn by failing and trying again, and during this learning process, there will be times when we will need the help of others. It is very important to be clear about this and to know how to recognize when we need help.
Let us not forget that it takes a lot of courage and humility to ask for help, because it tells us a lot about how we are, about how our personality is formed, and about how we see our brothers and sisters.
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.” Romans 11:17-20
As we surrender ourselves to the Lord, we know His power, which is in every way, immeasurably superior and above us. As we become proud individuals who only look down on the situations and people around us, we cannot lift our eyes to behold what is above us: the glorious presence of God.