Can You Help Me with Something?
“But as for me, I am poor and needy...” - King David (Ps 40:17 NIV)
For many of us, asking for help is a big no-no, a sign of weakness. Some of us are wired more for independence, and it’s in our nature, succeed or fail, to try things on our own. My daughter exemplified this at a young age, always demanding, “My byself!”
Christians should be experts at asking for help—it’s part of having childlike faith. King David, full of power and ability, often confessed his need for God’s assistance. We should do the same, despite our propensity to do things “my byself.”
Inviting aid can be a sign of humility, but there are times when one can take it too far. It’s important to learn to do things on our own. My best friend in elementary school, Jeff, had never learned to tie his shoes, and he would have seen a lot more time on the soccer field if he didn’t have to wait for me to tie his cleats so often. Jeff’s sloth outweighed his pride, and both are deadly sins.
More important, though, is the recognition that we are always in need of help whether we realize it or not. We are always God’s needy children, even when we do grow up. In a way, we could say we are “permanently disabled.” Consider my amputee son as an example. Many tasks we take for granted are great feats for Joseph. Showering, getting dressed, and reaching anything counter-high require overcoming physical challenges. He has learned humility from a young age, and we work to find the balance between letting him struggle versus offering him assistance. I’ll admit I lean more “let him struggle” than Mom, but there is no doubt he has a permanent disability.
Joseph doing his chores
Most of us, however, still have some growth to do in the asking for help department. Joseph is acutely aware of his disabilities and needs, whereas if you asked me what my disabilities are, I’d have to struggle to form an answer. I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on the theology of disability, and I have more questions than answers at this point of my life. I plan to publish future articles addressing how we, as Christians, should handle the fact that our minds and bodies vary in ability.
But for now, can you help me with something? I’d like you to consider the following questions related to disability and neediness. After reading and thinking about these, please stop me when you see me to discuss. I’m eager to hear your thoughts. You can also shoot me an email at blog@foundrybend.org.
How does God view disabilities?
What kinds of disabilities are there?
Are some disabilities more acceptable than others?
Are all humans disabled in some way? Was Jesus?
What does disability look like in the Kingdom of God, in heaven?
Should we pray for and celebrate healing from disabilities?
Where and when have churches gotten disability ministry right? Wrong?
Who are we unintentionally excluding and how?
This is just a truncated list of questions I’ve had lingering in a document for months. I may never be able to address all of them adequately, and I look forward to your help answering them. In the meantime, will you pray Psalm 40:17 with me?
But as for me, I am poor and needy;
may the Lord think of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
you are my God, do not delay.
