What is the first thing you do when you need help? When you’re stuck or drowning in the rough waters of life? Where do you go? Who do you turn to? Do you run toward God or do you run away from Him, hiding until you can get yourself together?
The Bible tells us that when we turn to God in our moments of distress, He will be there for us. He will rescue when we call out to Him.
And once again, David reminds us to remember and to give Him thanks. David also urges all of those who’ve been redeemed and rescued by God to tell their story.
I’ll never forget the moment I finally cried out to God and meant it. The time when it changes the trajectory of my life.
Like Psalm 107:17 says, “Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.”
I was such fool and was suffering from it. People around me may not have known, but I did. And I was dying on the inside.
But I cried out to God. Just like verse 19-20 says, “Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”
I can look back clearly and see how my heart shifted as soon as I cried out to God. I didn’t have a whole lot of language for it back then. I didn’t really understand what I was doing. But all I know is that I needed help and I said so. I stopped acting like I was fine when I wasn’t. In all of my despair, I turned to God.
That’s the first step of experiencing life with God. Recognizing that without Him we really are dead inside. Admitting our need for Him. And trusting Him with our future. Those things will change everything.
Even today when I remember, my natural response is one of thanks and gratitude. I don’t deserve God’s love and forgiveness, but He gave it anyway.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1