Somewhere, sometime it became difficult for people to ask for help. Maybe it has become more important what other people think of us than to ask a question to bring light in the darkness.

Apparently, men don’t like to ask for directions and they would rather drive around ending up at the wrong address. What could be the reason for this? Did someone say long ago that men should know all about directions and if they don’t, they are weak?

So, men don’t ask and waste litres of expensive fuel. And men drive around in circles just because they are afraid of being seen as failures. You can just ask, can’t you?

Not all men are like that, but all people tend to be described like this in all situations. We are often afraid to ask, because we’re afraid people will think badly of us.

The opposite is actually true. By asking questions, by asking for help, by asking for directions, you actually show that you’re not afraid to say you don’t know something. You are even less afraid to put up your hand and say, “Teach me. Show me what I don’t know. I want to know more.”

Often at the stop signs in life we do our own thing, and then we don’t make the best choices. The results are even less than good. Is this also because we’re afraid to put up our hand and ask for directions? Are we afraid of being labelled as not being in control?

Maybe were afraid of God’s reaction. Maybe the question is actually so simple and maybe someone has convinced us that we’re past that point in our lives. How can we go to God with such a question?

Again, it is just the opposite. God wants to help us. He has all the answers. He has all the wisdom. He wants to save us from pain and unhappiness and take us to the right place.

But we are too afraid, because what if … What if God laughs at us or even scolds us for (again) coming to Him with this stupid question. Here we must take a stand and memorise the following verse: ⁵You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.

It is time to put our shame in our pocket. It is time to develop a curious nature. It is time to realise that we need to ask questions to acquire wisdom. We have to go to God and ask Him for directions.

He won’t think strangely of us. On the contrary, He will be glad. He will pick us up and tell us exactly what the next step is.

Scripture
James 1:1-8

Reflection
Do you like asking?
What do you find difficult to ask for?
What must you do to be able to ask God for everything?

Prayer
Father, it’s not always easy for me to ask. Thank you for the promise that You will not think poorly of me when I come to You with my packet of questions. Help me to ask more often and for more. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.