“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple. Jonah 2:7. NKJV
Into Your holy temple. Jonah 2:7. NKJV
Sometimes, people go for some time, suffering and going through a bad time, before they call on God for help. Why is this? Jonah is one example. This rebellious man had already refused to obey God's call to go to Nineveh. In fact, he went the other way and caught a ship to take him to Tarshish. On the way, there was a mighty storm and after some discussion, the sailors threw him overboard because they felt he was a bad omen. Fortunately for Jonah, a great fish swallowed him whole and saved him from drowning.
Now, one would have thought that Jonah would have called out to God straightaway, it must have been a smelly environment to stay in. But, Jonah stayed 3 days and 3 nights before remembering God and crying out to God to save him. When he did, God ordered the fish to vomit him onto dry land. Boy, he must have stunk.
It seems unbelievable that Jonah took so long before he called out to God. It may have been because he was a stubborn man who often sulked when he couldn't get his own way. Why do we leave things so long before we actually ask God to help us? Jonah must have been stressed out, wondering what his fate was going to be. But, the long and short of it was that he wouldn't back down because that would show his weakness and he was unlikely to do this. But at least, in the end, he remembered God and prayed.
David had a similar experience. He and his men returned to Ziklag following a battle, to find that their village had been burnt to the ground by the Amalekites. Not only that but, they had taken all the wives and children with them. The men wept until they had no more power to do so and, as can happen, they begun blaming David, threatening to stone him. Whenever things go wrong, people do get blamed for it all and, David, who had also lost his two wives and was also grieving, was no exception. However, David strengthened himself in the Lord, just like Jonah, had remembered the Lord God. And God was right there to help them all and retrieve their loved ones. (1 Samuel 30)
Why do we leave things so late at times before we pray? David was distressed and fearful too but, he remembered the Lord and this brought him the strength he needed. We need to take this on board. What's the point in getting all wound up and angry? It leads to to further stress, high blood pressure and heart attacks.
A song that has lifted my wife and I over the years is"
WHY WORRY
'Why worry, God's in charge, the Lord of the land and sea. I'll put my trust in the One who saves, for He takes care of me'. Writer unknown.
This is only the chorus, the verses I have lost, unfortunately, over the years. But for us, the chorus says it all. There really is no need to become distressed, blaming other people for it all or fearful. Lead a worry free life
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
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