Self-Help or God's Help

My husband and I went to Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago, and I was amazed at how many self-help books there were, whole sections dedicated to this topic alone. The more I researched self-meditation, mindfulness, philosophy, realization, and development (to name a few), the more astonished I was at the abundance of physical and digital materials.

Yet, when I looked for Biblical teaching and guidance, there were significantly fewer resources. I mean, that’s not really a surprise, but it was enough to remind me that we live in a world full of hurt and pain and that people are looking for ways to deal with the challenges of living in a fallen world. 

Some people may seek self-help simply because they don’t want God’s help. They prefer to temporarily heal themselves rather than go to the great physician (Luke 15:31), who promises to heal the brokenness and hurt in their hearts, minds, and bodies. 

Growing up in the church, I knew I could seek answers from God. Yet, I chose to stay in the comfort of the familiar, even though it was hurtful and detrimental to my health. I often sought anything and everything except God! Like me, others do the same thing to deal with difficult circumstances, stress, and trauma every day.

My choices for over a decade were to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol and to live away from the goodness of God. I was trying to use my own strength to deal with pain, hurt, trauma, frustration, and confusion. I was trying to find a solid place to rest, but in every aspect of life, I felt like I was drowning, being hit with wave after wave, and barely able to keep my head above the water.

I am reminded of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 7:24-27:

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”(NKJV)

Many people who are hurting have no idea the power God has to change their lives. I had to reach a point where I was completely broken, and my world fell apart before I turned to God and his Word, trusting him as my rock and shelter (Psalm 18:2).  Since then, I have been blessed to see and feel the miracle of healing through God's kind, generous, merciful, and uplifting presence daily.

In all openness and honesty, I still have rough days when getting out of bed and dealing with everyday stresses feels impossible and insurmountable. Yet, I have seen and felt that all things are possible when I seek and listen to God (Matthew 19:26).  

So, no matter what each day holds, I can joyfully and confidently attest that when I stop trying to help myself and rely on God, he generously gives me his strength and faithfully promises his healing presence.  

He will do the same for you!

Think About It:

Have you gone through a period of life when you have tried to rely on yourself?

Have you gone through a time when you relied on God?

How did these two times differ?

Do you have a specific passage of Scripture that helps you when life is hard? 

Do you know someone who needs to hear what God has done for you?

Pray About It:

Dear God, 

We know that when we choose you and your Word, you promise us an abundant life. We pray that our lives will reflect your love for us. Lord, we praise you that when we call on your name, our lives are no longer on sinking sand but built on the rock of salvation, redemption, and grace.

-Amen