Even when we reach a point where we’ve exhausted all of our options, we can’t figure things out, we’re tired and burnt out, we’re afraid, disappointed, discouraged, or close to giving up, there’s still hope. We can cry out to God, and He promises to hear us. The psalms are full of examples of people crying out to God when they were in overwhelming, distressing circumstances. Here are some examples: ‘In my distress I cried out to the Lord…[and] He heard me’; ‘I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord’ (Psalm 77:1-2 NIV); ‘Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry’ (Psalm 17:1 NIV). Crying out to God is a habit we should develop. Whatever we’re facing, big or small, God is the answer. He shouldn’t be our last resort, but our first thought. He is the perfect provider. He knows what we need. After crying out to God, David said: ‘He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters…He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me’ (v.16;19 NLT). David discovered that God was his ‘rock…fortress and…deliverer’ (v.2 NIV). He recognised that God was a place of safety where the enemy couldn’t get to him. Proverbs 18:10 says: ‘The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe’ (NIV). In Bible times, this tower represented a place of security in God where we’re lifted above the threat and the circumstances. It’s a place where we can regain our perspective; a place where we can look ahead and know the trial we’re facing will soon be over.

What Now?

Try crying out to God today. Tell Him everything you’re facing, big or small, and then sit quietly and listen to whatever He’s got to say to you.