FEBRUARY 21
Psalm 38
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?
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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