Read
(By David.)
A Prayer for Help
1Only you, Lord,
are a mighty rock!
Don't refuse to help me
when I pray.
If you don't answer me,
I will soon be dead.
2Please listen to my prayer
and my cry for help,
as I lift my hands
toward your holy temple.
3Don't drag me away, Lord,
with those cruel people,
who speak kind words,
while planning trouble.
4 Treat them as they deserve!
Punish them for their sins.
5They don't pay any attention
to your wonderful deeds.
Now you will destroy them
and leave them in ruin.
6I praise you, Lord,
for answering my prayers.
7You are my strong shield,
and I trust you completely.
You have helped me,
and I will celebrate
and thank you in song.
8You give strength
to your people, Lord,
and you save and protect
your chosen ones.
9Come save us and bless us.
Be our shepherd and always
carry us in your arms.
Reflect
I curled in a fetal position, dark eddies of despair threatening to overtake me. My world was crashing down around me. I gasped out to God for help, for a small measure of peace. Over time, he pulled me from that dark place. But it didn’t come easy. I had to believe God could – and would – take those burdens I carried; I had to believe he was listening.
My situation isn’t unique. When life delivers a crushing blow, it’s easy to spin out of control. Mighty King David had every resource at his fingertips, but he experienced it too. People let him down again and again. His enemies got the upper hand. David begged God to intervene.
Jesus knew crushing pain as well. Close friends abandoned him. People turned against him. Ultimately it led to the cross. During his time of greatest need, he cried out in prayer, “Father, if you will, please don’t make me suffer … But do what you want, and not what I want” (Luke 22:42).
Prayer is not a magic cure. The situation can still hurt beyond measure. David continued to wrestle through his agonies. Jesus suffered a horrible death. But God listens to our cries for mercy; He gives hope where there is none.
David’s pleading turned to praise. “You have helped me … I will celebrate!” The gruesome indignity of the cross led to the life-giving promise of Jesus’ resurrection. The pain turns to joy.
Come, Jesus says, “If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Bring it all, the pain, the despair, the bone-crushing weariness. When life is at its darkest, Jesus promises to carry you. Gasp out that prayer. Reach for hope. You do not have to walk through the darkness alone.
Respond
Life-giving God, walk beside me. Help me to know you are near, especially when I am weak and struggling. Take my burdens. Infuse me with your joy, and a deep sense of your presence. You are my rock and my fortress, my deliverer and my strength. Thank you Jesus that you have promised to never leave me, even when life is at its darkest. Amen.
Kelly Rempel
Kelly Rempel is a wife, mother of two, writer and Jesus-follower. She lives in Winnipeg, MB where she is developing her passion for introducing children and their families to Jesus in her role as Family Ministry Director at Braeside Evangelical Church. She formerly served as the Senior Editor for ChristianWeek, a national publication focused on Christian faith and life in Canada (and beyond). She grew up in northern B.C., obtained her journalism diploma at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton, and attended Bethany Bible Institute (now Bethany College) in Hepburn, SK, before moving to Winnipeg. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys trying her hand at various creative pursuits.