Crying Out To God

Crying Out To God

[Jonah] said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.”

Jonah 2:2

We should cry out to God in such a way that we’re convinced in our hearts that he will answer. It should be a cry that allows us to boast, as Jonah did, that God answers when we cry out in our need. This is simply crying out with the heart’s true voice of faith. Unless we first lift up our hearts to God, we are unable to lift up our heads or hold up our hands.

With the help and support of the Spirit, we run to an angry God, looking for his undeserved kindness in the middle of his anger. When we lift our hearts in this way, we willingly endure punishment from God and we continue to look for his mercy. Notice what strong character such a heart must have. Though surrounded by God’s anger and punishment, it doesn’t seem to be aware of them. Instead, it sees and feels only God’s kindness and grace. Though the heart is clearly aware of God’s anger and punishment, it simply doesn’t want to see or feel them. Rather, it’s determined to look for God’s kindness and grace—no matter how hidden they might be.

Turning to God is difficult. Breaking through his anger, punishment, and displeasure is like running through a row of thorns or even through a line of spears and swords. It’s only with a sincere cry of faith that we can break through. When we cry out in this way, we know in our hearts that God hears us.