Calling Out

READ: PSALMS 27:7-14; 33:20-22

I keep calling out, God
Even though I am tired
Even though I don’t see You working yet
Even though this life seems to be killing me

I keep calling out, God
Because You are my only hope
Because You can bring me peace
Because You can move into action at any time

I keep calling out, God
And my body is tired
And my throat doesn’t want to call out
And I feel ready to just give up

I keep calling out, God
Please answer me
Please give me peace
Please reach down and rescue me • Emily Acker

• Today’s poem is written in the style of a lament psalm. Have you ever felt like you just kept crying out to God without experiencing any comfort? We all go through times like these, but God does not abandon us. His presence with us gives us hope we can cling to no matter what. Can you remember what (or who) God provided to help you through that difficult time in your life? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this.

• Does today’s poem express how you’re feeling right now? God is right there with you. He knows your hurts, and He doesn’t condemn you (Romans 8:1). He feels your pain and He weeps with you. Consider taking some time to bring your pain to God, like the author does. If you feel like you can’t even pray right now, who is a trusted Christian in your life who can help you bring your pain to God? By leaning on God’s grace and the people He has placed around you, you can begin to heal. These feelings won’t last forever, but Jesus’s love will. And one day, He will return to make all things new. Because Jesus died and rose from the grave, everyone who trusts in Him can look forward to the day He will put an end to death and sin and brokenness permanently. Jesus is the ultimate source of our hope, a hope that endures even in the most difficult times.

• This poem mentions feeling ready to give up. If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, tell a trusted adult right away.* One important way God brings healing is through medical and mental health professionals and biblical counseling. The path to healing can be long and sometimes painful, but Jesus will walk every step with you. If you feel like you can’t reach out to others because you are a burden, know that this is a lie from the pit of hell. The enemy wants to isolate us from community, but God’s truth is so much more powerful than the enemy’s lies. The truth is this: you are made in God’s glorious image, and for that reason you are beloved and incomparably valuable, and there is nothing you can do to change that. You are worth people’s time, attention, and care—even when the people around you don’t act like it. You can know that you are so precious to God because He sent Jesus to give you new life so that you could live in loving relationship with Him. Jesus did this by dying and rising again. You are an important part of His kingdom, and nothing, nothing, NOTHING can ever separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:39).

• *You can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. You can also talk with someone via web chat (988lifeline.org/chat). If your situation is potentially life-threatening, call 911 (or the emergency number for your area) or go to the local hospital emergency room right away.

• *If you need someone to talk to but are not in need of immediate help, you can set up an appointment for a one-time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Psalm 69:3 (NIV)