Created to Fulfill a Need

So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Genesis 2:20

 Haven’t we all at times wondered, “Why am I here?” Everyone in the family might have a different answer if asked why Mom is around, but each person’s response would probably involve a service she provides. She’s here to cook, clean, and do the laundry. She picks me up from school and takes me to baseball (or soccer, or dance class, or piano lessons). She listens to my problems. She’s my friend. She provides an income. Sometimes it feels as if everyone owns a piece of us and we exist only to serve. Is this what God intended when He said woman was created to be a “suitable helper?”

 Looking back at the context of the Genesis passage, it’s apparent that during the creative process God paraded all living creatures before Adam. At the end of that display, Adam realized there was no one to complement himself. He was alone, unfulfilled, incomplete. Adam needed a helper. I don’t believe that helper was intended only to assist with the gardening or haul water from the river—several of the animals could have fulfilled those chores. No, he needed someone with whom he could communicate in thought and word. Someone to love and who would love him back. Created in the image of God, Adam possessed qualities the animals lacked, and none of them could meet his deepest needs. To be a helper under these circumstances is not to be subservient, but to be an essential partner—spiritually, physically, emotionally. It means my husband, and even my children, are incomplete without the special insights and gifts God gave me. I have the holy opportunity to bless my family as I submit to God’s plan of being a “suitable helper.” At times this may mean assisting in practical ways, but it also implies I have other things of value to contribute.

 As I pray, study God’s Word, and commune with Him, He shows me how I may best help my family. It may be in offering discipline, advice, or comfort to a child. Another time it might involve sharing an insight or opinion as my husband and I wrestle with a problem. It could mean learning a new skill in order to better equip myself to advance in my career or help address an issue in the home. Each day holds a variety of opportunities to expand the role of helper in the lives of those I love. Being a helper doesn’t imply a role of lesser importance or of secondary value. On the contrary, it means I have been uniquely created to fulfill a need that could be met by no one else!

 I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Dear Jesus, please give me Your vision of my role in this family. Help me to be a suitable helper who appreciates and encourages the best in each of my family members as I reflect Your love in all I say and do. Amen.