You, God, know my folly; my guilt is not hidden from you (Psalm 69:5).
Not long ago one of my kids casually said, “I wonder how you get your computer keyboard unstuck.” A little while later my kid came out and said, “I figured out what to do, but I probably should tell you that when I was opening a jar of peanut butter some of the oil spilled out on my keyboard.” We looked at each other and started laughing. My kid didn’t want to give me too much information before they had found a solution.
This is often what we do with our own challenges. When going through personal trials, we don’t always give out all the information. We hold back, thinking we might be able to figure it out on our own. But be honest… how is that working for you?
Some of the problems and challenges we face are self-inflicted, and some are handed to us by others. But one way or another, life is full of problems, challenges, and difficulties. As much as we might try, we can’t just pretend our problems don’t exist, and yet, that’s exactly what many of us try to do. We keep our struggles hidden from others and try to minimize the impact they are having on our life.
But none of us can do that forever. Sooner or later, we run out of steam; ironically, it’s then that we have true hope! It is then that we are ready to receive God’s help and begin a new journey with Him.
Nothing in our life is hidden from God. He understands all our follies and challenges, and so I’ve come to understand that it’s a waste of time to pretend, either with God or with others. . This way, we can ask for help immediately instead of searching for solutions all on our own. If we fall down, someone will be there to help us get up (or get things unstuck.)
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecc. 4:11-12).
Peace,
Nick