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Cries of Desperation

Hope Ministries - Columnist
Posted 7/11/20

One word that might describe the times we are living in is uncertain. We are uncertain about what tomorrow holds and what the next day's news will be. We are uncertain if Covid-19 will suddenly spike …

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Cries of Desperation

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One word that might describe the times we are living in is uncertain. We are uncertain about what tomorrow holds and what the next day's news will be. We are uncertain if Covid-19 will suddenly spike in our area and we'll be back in lockdown. We are uncertain as to where the violence of riots will break out next. We are uncertain if the children will be able to go back to school in the fall, or if our churches will be able to open fully. Will our businesses fail, or the economy collapse, or any other number of things in life that we just don't know?

In uncertain times when we don't know what to think or do or expect, many are discouraged, anxious, depressed and starting to feel hopeless. The best thing we can do to get through uncertain times is to cry out to God, continually seeking His leading, direction, wisdom, strength and help in times of need. God is drawn to our cries of desperation and our brokenness before Him. He will always answer desperation.

A powerful example of seeking God in times of uncertainty and overwhelming circumstances is King Jehoshaphat of Judah. One day some men reported that a vast army was gathering to attack them. Jehoshaphat knew his nation would easily be overpowered by this army, so he called his people together to fast and seek the Lord for wisdom and help.

King Jehoshaphat's prayer is recorded in 2 Chronicles 20:6-12. He ends with, “O our God… we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” God heard this desperate cry and gave wisdom and specific instruction.

King David was also known for his cries of desperation for the Lord to rescue him. He says in Psalm 18:6, “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from His sanctuary; my cry to Him reached His ears. In Psalm 55:17 he says, “Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” Proverbs 2:3 tells us to, “Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding.”

When we cry out to the Lord, we also need to believe and trust that He will answer and give us direction. James 1:5-6 says God is faithful to give wisdom to all who ask, but if we do not believe or if we doubt His answers, we will be blown and tossed like the waves of the sea, overtaken by confusion.

In uncertain times we need to cling to Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]” (AMP). When we trust God with our whole heart and stop trying to figure it all out for ourselves, when we cry out and submit to Him, He will direct our paths and show us the way to go.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.

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