"God helps those who help themselves." It sounds biblical, doesn't it? Maybe because we've heard it so many times. We use it to encourage responsibility, perseverance, and action. And there's certainly nothing wrong with doing what we can with what God has given us. There's just one problem: The Bible never actually says it. In fact, the Bible repeatedly introduces us to people who reach moments when they cannot help themselves. They don't have enough strength, enough wisdom, enough resources, or enough answers. And maybe you know something about those moments too. The diagnosis you cannot change. The grief you cannot hurry. The relationship you cannot repair by yourself. The door you cannot force open. The burden you have finally admitted is too heavy to carry alone..

The psalmist asks, "Where does my help come from?" and answers, "My help comes from the Lord." (Psalm 121:1-)

Notice what the psalmist doesn't say: My help comes when I finally prove I can't handle this myself. Because sometimes faith looks like taking the next step. And sometimes faith looks like finally admitting, "God, I need help."

Maybe that is the invitation for us. Before we work harder, fix more, or try again, take a moment to name before God the place where we need help. We don't have to solve it. Just bring it honestly to God.