The Cry of a Heart // Psalm 69
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God...
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters. Let not the flood sweep over me, or the deep swallow me up, or the pit close its mouth over me. Answer me, O Lord, for your steadfast love is good; according to your abundant mercy, turn to me. Hide not your face from your servant, for I am in distress; make haste to answer me. Draw near to my soul, redeem me; ransom me because of my enemies!...
I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the Lord more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them. For God will save Zion and build up the cities of Judah, and people shall dwell there and possess it; the offspring of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall dwell in it.”
Sometimes life can feel like your drowning. You fight to keep your head above the waves but as exhaustion sets in, the water envelopes you even more. I've been there and felt claustrophobic in my season; pleading for God to get me out. Chances are you've been there and perhaps are today.
These are the hardest days you'll encounter. These are the seasons that make you want to give up and stop trying. It's here you question more than ever and wrestle with God to new degrees.
But it's also where you find greater intimacy with God. When you grow as a person and mature into who God sees you to be. They are the hardest days but also the most giving in your growth.
How do you get through a season where you feel like your drowning? When you've cried out to God so much that words are a loss and tears are abundant?
Cry Out to God. When you're in distress, cry out God! Perhaps you're in turmoil from a decision you made and feel too guilty to come to Him? Maybe you're afraid He won't answer? It's imperative that you don't shy away from calling out to Him. Be honest--let your Father know the emotions and distress that you are in. He cares so deeply about you and wants you to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with Him. He can take, and furthermore, will listen no matter what got you to this point. He's always available and eager to help.
Don't Give Up. David, who wrote this psalm, was to the point that his voice was hoarse from crying out. But he didn't let his exhaustion from crying out stop him from continuing to do so. There might be moments you want to give up, but don't! Be like the persistent widow who wouldn't stop asking until her request was answered!
Have Boldness in Your Faith. Three times in verses 13-17 David says, "answer me." There's a confidence there, knowing that God hears and responds. David had witnessed God showing up before and believed He would do it again. When you pray, believe that God is on your side and will take up your cause.
Lift Up Praise & Thanksgiving. Always give God praise, no matter what season or situation you're in. This is vital to your relationship with God, the condition of your spirit, and the magnitude of the outcome. God is good, all the time!
If you can have this kind of perspective in your distress, you'll come out on the other end better than without. Keep the faith--don't give up--and keep your eyes on God!
