FEBRUARY 21
Psalm 38:22, “Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”
In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis writes, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
David found himself immersed in suffering, overwhelmed by guilt, loneliness, and a desperate longing to restore his relationship with God. Under God’s discipline for his sins, his body and soul were weighed down, his health deteriorating, and his spirit burdened by a guilt too heavy to bear. His foolishness had led him to a place of sorrow, where he felt utterly crushed and isolated, his heart groaning with anguish.
In the depth of his despair, David cried out to God, seeking deliverance. Troubles often have a way of capturing our attention, which is why we hear of “foxhole” or “jailhouse” conversions. There’s nothing wrong with that—after all, we live in a broken world as broken people. It would be naive to think we can navigate life without God. I’ve often said that everyone has a desperate need for Jesus; the only question is how deeply we recognize that need. Challenges in life serve as a wake-up call, reminding us of our dependence on God.
The encouraging truth, however, is that God hears the cries for help. Just as Peter’s desperate plea, “Lord, save me,” was met by Jesus’ outstretched hand, the thief’s cry from the cross was answered with the promise of paradise. In many ways, the thief is my hospice hero, as countless patients may relate to his distress. Yet, in crying out to God, all of us can find a Savior who is both willing and able to rescue us from our darkest moments.
If you find yourself in the bottom of a pit, stop digging, and look to the One who can readily lift you up.
Application questions: Can you relate to David’s experience in this psalm? What lessons can we take away from C. S. Lewis’ quote about our troubles? Have you ever cried out to God in desperation? How did God respond?
LookingtoJesus 