Praying When Hope Seems Dim

Save me, O God,

for the floodwaters are up to my neck.

Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire;

I can’t find a foothold.

I am in deep water,

and the floods overwhelm me.

I am exhausted from crying for help;

my throat is parched.

My eyes are swollen with weeping,

waiting for my God to help me. . . .

But I keep praying to you, LORD,

hoping this time you will show me favor.

Psalm 69:1-3, 13

David’s prayer recorded in this psalm essentially amounts to a simple, “Save me, I’m sinking.” It’s the cry of a desperate man who can’t even think of helping himself. But at least David knew whom he needed to ask for help. Although he was exhausted from crying to the Lord in prayer, he kept on shouting to his God, the only one who could save him.

When waves of adversity threaten to drown you in despair, pray to God. Remember David’s persistence, and keep on asking God for help.

• Dear Lord, I am exhausted from crying for help, but I will keep on praying to you . . .