A Cry For Help

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17

Most parents of newborn children quickly develop a sense of knowing what their child is crying about. Sometimes the cry is for food, or because a diaper needs changing. Other times they cry because they are tired. But every parent somehow recognizes their child crying because they are scared or need help. To someone else it may sound or feel the same, but a parent knows their child well enough that they can recognize the difference.

Just like a parent, God hears the cries of His children. Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” God hears our cries. When we are hurt, or troubled, or in pain, He hears us. The next verse says, “The Lord is near the brokenhearted…” Isn’t it good to know that when we cry, when we are in trouble, we can know that our Heavenly Father hears us and responds?

When a baby cries because she is in need, a chemical called cortisol is released in the brain. It’s a chemical that is harmful in the brain, and some neuroscientists describe it as toxic. If mom or dad doesn’t respond to the crying, the chemical, over time, hurts the baby’s brain development. When the mother or father responds to the baby’s crying and meets her need, a different chemical is released that brings the baby’s brain chemistry back into balance. This ongoing process of crying and having a need met creates a bond between the parent and the child.

When you have a need, cry out to God. It is in sharing our needs and our suffering with God that we can find peace. God will hear our cry. He will respond when we pray. This process over time strengthens our relationship with God as we learn to trust Him more and more. God wants us to bring our troubles and concerns to Him so that our trust in God will grow stronger. Are you crying out for help today over something in your life? Listen in prayer and in your study of God’s Word to see how God is hearing and answering your cry.

God, thank you for hearing my cries for help. I’m bringing my troubles to you, and because you made me and know me, I am trusting you to meet my deepest needs. I am asking you to show me the path to take through difficulty and pain, so that I can know You more, and so that I can serve you more fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

God, thank You for accepting me fully and finally in Jesus.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.