November 09, 2018
There is a reason, in God's Word, why there is a differentiation between the word ""prayed"" and ""cried out."" To cry out indicates a depth of passion, desperation, and need, that is not always in our normal prayers.
The Psalmist used the word in Psalm 107 as He speaks of the Israelites dilemma and the Lords' faithful response.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region;
They did not find a way to an inhabited city.
5 They were hungry and thirsty;
Their soul fainted within them.
6 THEN THEY CRIED OUT TO THE LORD IN THEIR TROUBLE;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
10 There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Prisoners in misery and chains,
11 Because they had rebelled against the words of God
And spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;
They stumbled and there was none to help.
13 THEN THEY CRIED OUT TO THE LORD IN THEIR TROUBLE;
He saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death.
17 Fools, because of their rebellious way,
And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
18 Their soul abhorred all kinds of food,
And they drew near to the gates of death.
19 THEN THEY CRIED OUT TO THE LORD IN THEIR TROUBLE;
He saved them out of their distresses.
20 He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
25 For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,
Which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths;
Their soul melted away in their misery.
27 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,
And were at their wits’ end.
28 THEN THEY CRIED TO THE LORD IN THEIR TROUBLE,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
29 He caused the storm to be still,
So that the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad because they were quiet,
So He guided them to their desired haven.
Notice the similarities. Each passage contains ...
And, after each of these passages, there is this admonition from the Psalmist:
""Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men! (vss. 8, 15, 21, 31).
This is God's way and our pattern. There is no need to adjust it or deviate from this 3,000 years later. When we are in trouble, just as we are currently in our nation and our churches, we need to cry out.
He will be faithful to hear and provide. And, when He delivers, we need to give thanks!
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
