Week 39
Psalm 107:28 “They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.”
What a needful thing prayer is! Our text reminds us that though prayer is always in season, it is especially so when we are in trouble and distressed. Although prayer is a deeply theological study that will strain the greatest minds and stretch the wisest of students, yet in its practical form it is best considered as a holy and thoughtful exclamation and supplication to God in a time of need.
The wording of our text paints a portrait of fear, urgency, and deep struggle. Questions about survival and assistance abound. But still these, though strained and severely tried, we know what must be done – we must pray to the Lord, nay we must “CRY” to the Lord. In the midst of trouble, hardship, and unexpected trials that sometimes burst upon us as a tidal wave with fearful destructive force, we must not hesitate to cry out to the Lord in prayer.
Peter did just this! His prayer when sinking into the watery abyss was eloquent in its desperation and simplicity – “Lord, save me!” (Matthew 14:30). And soon the saving sovereign hand of God reached down into the fearful terror and rescued the soon-to-die servant of the Lord.
We also must in our moments of overwhelming sorrow, grief, heartache, and trouble turn to the Lord and find in Him all that we need.
Our text says the following to the glory of the Lord: “He (the Lord) brought them out of their distresses.” The Lord’s hand is not short that it cannot save; it is sufficient to reach down into the shadows of fear and deliver the people of God in our moment of need. The Lord’s saving hand has its own time, has its own method, and has its own purpose, but God’s people can (and must) lean hard on the all-sufficient providential grace that God gives to His people.
Where do we find ourselves this day? Are we in a circumstance that threatens to undo us? Do we face forces that press in upon us as if to take us apart? Do we find ourselves lonely without an understanding or helpful friend? Then let us go to the Lord. Let us seek Him with all our hearts. Let us pour out our hearts to Him. Let us give ourselves to prayer casting our anxieties upon our faithful and steadfast God. We will find Him true to His promise and bursting with lovingkindness as we rest our faith on Him.
Dear friend, look to Him who made the ultimate sacrifice for you in Christ on the cross. He has loved you since before the foundation of the earth, and He has sent His dear Son to save you. His plan is to one day take you to heaven to be with Him forever in holy love and joy. Trust in Him this day with that aching in your heart. He is worthy of your faith.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to sincerely and genuinely trust in You with this hurt in my heart. I look to You for all that I need. Amen.
