Looking For Help?

            There are some things in life that are worth their weight in gold.  An honest and capable worker comes to mind.  I, for example, have very few auto mechanical skills.  I know how to put my key in the ignition and start my car.  Beyond that, I’m easily stumped.  Because of my shortcomings in this area, I highly value having an auto mechanic who is skilled and honest.  We all have had the misfortune of using an auto mechanic who was either inept or dishonest.  This need for wise counsel and reliable help extends to many areas of life.  Perhaps you have a need in your home (plumbing, electrical, or appliance-related); you would be wise to be careful who you get help from.  But what about questions regarding living and navigating life itself?  Where do you go?  Who do you get help from?  Who will you rely on?  Where do you find support and encouragement?  Let me suggest that you reach out to God.

            When we are in need or have dilemmas, how do we reach out to God?  We should begin with prayer.  Praying and asking God for help is a great place to start in working through life’s storms and problems.  While praying is a tremendous thing to do and a great place to start, I find that I still need guidance.  I’m not saying that God does not work in the situation I’m praying about; I’m saying that I need more help.  Once again, let me return to my auto mechanical problems and shortcomings.  Several years ago, I was driving, and my vehicle stopped running.  As a matter of fact, I was navigating rush hour and the engine cut out.  My first thought was, “Oh no, not now, not here.”  After I made my way to the side of the road, my thought was, “This is not good.”  I knew I needed to contact my mechanic; I knew that I had a problem.

            Knowing I had a problem, however, didn’t fix it.  Calling my mechanic to schedule an appointment didn’t magically make the vehicle work.  There were several more steps to take before the problem was solved.  The same is true in life.  Realizing I’m in a difficult situation is a good start.  Praying to God is a wise next step.  Let me suggest that reading the Bible is the next step in our journey of repair and getting help.  While it is good therapy and sound thinking to pray, we need to hear from God.  God, in His wisdom, knows we need coaching and counsel.  God has given us true and sound instruction in the Bible. 

            In the Bible, God explains what life is about.  He gives guidelines that protect us.  There are times when God tells us that we need to change what we are doing.  There are places where God comforts our broken, hurting hearts.  I could elaborate more and more about the great things that are found in God’s Word. What I would like to do, though, is to encourage you to open God’s Word, the Bible, and read it.  Yes, I know, I hit this idea quite often, but it is so important!  Reading God’s Word is one of the best things we can do.  Bible study should be at the top of any “to-do” list.  Over the next few weeks, I’d like to guide you in understanding some Bible ideas.  While the Bible is the greatest book ever written, it is also one of the most misunderstood and neglected.  Join me as we attempt to unravel some of these ideas and truths.  Keep looking up!