Learned Helplessness is a psychological condition in which an individual comes to believe that they are powerless to change their situation, even when opportunities for change are available. This state often develops after repeated exposure to stressful or uncontrollable events, leading the person to feel that they have no control over their circumstances.
Key characteristics and concepts of learned helplessness include:
- Perceived Lack of Control: The individual believes they cannot influence the outcome of events, leading to a sense of helplessness.
- Passivity: People may stop trying to change or escape their situation because they believe their efforts will be futile.
- Depression and Anxiety: Learned helplessness is often associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as the constant perception of powerlessness can severely affect mental health.
- Behavioral Symptoms: This condition can result in a decrease in motivation, a decline in problem-solving abilities, and a tendency to give up easily.
- Cognitive Effects: Individuals may develop a negative outlook on life, feel pessimistic about the future, and have low self-esteem.
A biblical figure who exhibited signs of learned helplessness is the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.
Their Past
Slavery in Egypt:
Exodus 1:13-14: The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for centuries. They experienced harsh labor and oppression, which ingrained a mindset of powerlessness and fear.
Fear of the Unknown:
Exodus 14:10-12: Upon leaving Egypt and facing the Red Sea, the Israelites were terrified of the Egyptian army pursuing them. They questioned Moses, expressing a preference for returning to slavery rather than facing an uncertain future.
Complaints and Grumbling:
Exodus 16:2-3: Throughout their journey, the Israelites frequently complained about their conditions. They longed for the familiar comforts of Egypt, even if it meant returning to slavery. Their complaints reflected a lack of trust in God’s provision.
Lack of Immediate Gratification:
Exodus 32:1-4: While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites grew impatient and created a golden calf to worship. This act of idolatry demonstrated their inability to wait and trust in God’s timing.
Fear of the Inhabitants of Canaan:
Numbers 13:31-33: The report from the ten spies about the strength of the Canaanite inhabitants instilled fear and doubt among the Israelites. They perceived themselves as “grasshoppers” and believed they could not conquer the land, despite God’s promise.
Rebellion Against Leadership:
Numbers 14:2-4: The Israelites frequently rebelled against Moses and Aaron, doubting their leadership and God’s plan. Their calls to return to Egypt showcased their reluctance to move forward into the unknown.
Doubt in God’s Provision:
Numbers 20:2-5: When faced with a lack of water, the Israelites quarreled with Moses, accusing him of bringing them to the wilderness to die. Their immediate reaction to difficulties often involved questioning God’s ability to provide.
Short-Term Memory of God’s Miracles:
Psalm 106:13-14: The Israelites often forgot the miracles God performed for them, such as parting the Red Sea and providing manna. This short-term memory contributed to their recurring doubt and lack of faith.
The Message
The Spies’ Report (Numbers 13:26-33):
Numbers 13:26-33 NIV They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran. There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land. [27] They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. [28] But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. [29] The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan.” [30] Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” [31] But the men who had gone up with him said, “We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.” [32] And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, “The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. [33] We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
- Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan.
- Upon their return, ten of the spies reported that although the land was fertile, the inhabitants were powerful and the cities were fortified. They concluded, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
The Israelites’ Reaction (Numbers 14:1-4):
Numbers 14:1-4 NIV That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. [2] All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! [3] Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” [4] And they said to each other, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
- Upon hearing the report, the entire community raised their voices and wept aloud.
- They grumbled against Moses and Aaron, expressing a desire to return to Egypt.
- They said, “We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
Signs of Learned Helplessness:
- Despite witnessing numerous miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea and daily manna from heaven, the Israelites felt powerless and fearful. Their desire to return to slavery in Egypt rather than face the challenges ahead indicates a learned helplessness mindset.
God’s Response (Numbers 14:5-9):
Numbers 14:5-9 NIV Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. [6] Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes [7] and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. [8] If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. [9] Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”
- Joshua and Caleb, two of the spies, tried to encourage the people, reminding them that the Lord was with them and that they should not be afraid. However, the community continued to express their helplessness and fear.
The Consequences of Learned Helplessness
Judgment on the Spies and the People (Numbers 14:24-38):
- God stated that the Israelites would wander in the desert for forty years—one year for each of the forty days the spies explored the land—until the generation that disobeyed had died out.
- The ten spies who brought back a bad report and incited rebellion were struck down by a plague and died.
- Joshua and Caleb were spared.
Key Takeaways:
Recognize the Signs of Learned Helplessness:
Understand that feelings of helplessness can stem from past experiences and repeated setbacks. Just like the Israelites, it’s important to identify when these feelings are influencing our current mindset and actions.
Trust in God’s Promises:
Remember that God is faithful and His promises are true. Despite the challenges and fears we face, we can rely on His word and His commitment to guide and protect us.
Find Strength in God’s Presence:
Acknowledge that God is always with us, even in our most difficult times. His presence provides the strength and courage needed to overcome feelings of helplessness.
Be Encouraged by Faithful Examples:
Look to examples like Joshua and Caleb, who demonstrated unwavering faith and courage. Their trust in God can inspire us to face our own giants with confidence.
Seek God’s Whisper in Times of Despair:
Just as God spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, He often reaches out to us in subtle ways. Take time to listen for God’s voice and seek His guidance in moments of despair.
Rely on Community Support:
Remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Just as God reminded Elijah that there were others who remained faithful, we too have a community of believers who can support and encourage us.
Take Practical Steps to Overcome Helplessness:
Engage in prayer, worship, and scripture study to strengthen your faith and combat feelings of helplessness. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek professional help if needed.