What we have covered:
- What is Learned Helplessness (The Israelites)
- How Joseph Overcame Learned Helplessness (With Forgiveness)
- The importance of Learned Optimism (Ruth’s Story)
- Meditation & Mindfulness (Hannah’s Story)
- Asking for Help (Moses’ Story)
A biblical example of someone asking for help to overcome a difficult situation is Moses, when he sought assistance from his father-in-law, Jethro. This story, found in Exodus 18, illustrates how Moses, overwhelmed by the burden of leading and judging the people of Israel, received guidance and support that helped him manage his responsibilities more effectively.
The Story:
Background:
Moses was leading the Israelites through the wilderness after their escape from Egypt.
- As the leader, Moses was responsible for resolving disputes among the people, which quickly became an overwhelming task due to the sheer number of cases brought before him.
Key Scripture: (Exodus 18:14)
“When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?’”
- Recognizing the Need for Help:
Moses was handling every dispute among the people on his own, from morning until evening. Jethro observed this and recognized that Moses was overburdened.
Key Scripture: (Exodus 18:15-16)
“Moses answered him, ‘Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.’”
- Receiving Advice and Help:
Jethro advised Moses to delegate responsibilities to capable men who could handle the simpler cases, leaving the more difficult cases for Moses to judge. This advice helped Moses to better manage his workload and prevent burnout.
Key Scripture: (Exodus 18:24-26)
“Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.”
Application:
1. Asking for Help:
Moses didn’t initially ask for help, but he was open to receiving it when offered. This openness to assistance illustrates the importance of recognizing when we need support and being willing to accept help from others.
2. Delegating Responsibility:
By following Jethro’s advice, Moses learned to delegate tasks, which not only alleviated his burden but also empowered others to take on leadership roles. This shows that asking for help can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved, not just the person seeking help.
3. Breaking the Cycle of Overwhelm:
Moses was caught in a cycle of overwhelm, trying to do everything by himself. Jethro’s intervention helped him break out of this cycle, illustrating how seeking help can be a crucial step in overcoming feelings of helplessness or being overwhelmed.
Conclusion:
Moses’ story demonstrates that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a wise and necessary step in managing overwhelming situations. By seeking and accepting help, we can:
- break the cycle of learned helplessness,
- find relief from burdens, and empower others to share in the work.