Excerpt from Psalm 86 (Good News Bible)

"Listen to me, Lord, and answer me, for I am helpless and weak."

Reflection by William C. Green

Nothing undermines strength more than a denial of weakness. That's the first principle of recovery groups today; it's also timeless wisdom. "I am weak. I need help." "My life is unmanageable without. . ."whatever the words for help beyond what we can provide ourselves. Sooner or later this is the first step all of us must take to find healing and hope.

This is the first step the psalmists in the Bible take. For them it was no sign of weakness or bad faith to say that given trouble they faced with themselves or others they were helpless. Nor was it a sign that God was pointless because their plight was hopeless. What was pointless was trying to fool God or themselves by thinking, "It's really not all that bad," or "I can handle this myself."

Speaking of a recent president, one prominent writer said, "Admitting weakness seemed to be such a severe psychic threat for him that when he made a mistake it was safer just to reinforce it."

The psalmist was blunt. He faced overwhelming challenge. In declaring his weakness he stood naked before God, no cover-up, no denial. Just "save me." How can any of us be saved who don't think we need saving?

It's amazing what God can do with just a few who dare to let weakness out of the closet.

Prayer

God, help us become more honest about our need for help. May we find it with others not afraid to tell the truth. Amen.

About the Author William C. Green is Vice-President for Strategy and Development, Moral Courage Project, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the author of 52 Ways to Ignite Your Congregation: Generous Giving.

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