When We Cry Out to God

January 06, 2018

When We Cry Out to God

Psalm 57:1-3

Most likely, we have all cried out to God in desperation. Whether it was something as simple as fearing a school test or something as grave as sitting in the waiting room during a friend’s surgery, we know how it feels to have no option left but to call upon almighty God.

It is important to note that there is a difference between our cries to God and our prayers. In prayer, we bring many things to the Father at once, emptying our hearts before His throne, listening to what He has to say to us. When we cry out, though, something else happens. We are then so overcome by emotion—be it fear, dread, sorrow, or even anxious hope—that we can’t help spontaneously throwing ourselves on God’s mercy for our immediate need. The Bible records many different instances of crying out. There are cries of desperation (Matt. 14:29-30), helplessness (2 Chronicles 20:9-12), and even faith (Psalm 34:15-17).

The most dynamic truth we can learn about our cries, however, is that the heavenly Father hears every single one. In the desert, the Lord heard Moses’ cry of anguish and responded immediately (Ex. 17:3-7). Likewise, inJudges 3:9-11, God heard the people’s cry for deliverance and answered with perfect timing.

Our Father wants His children to call to Him with the burdens of their heart. Have you cried out to God in faith? Be assured that He is listening, and that even when we can’t think of what to say, His Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf (Rom. 8:26).

Bible in One Year: Genesis 20-23