Who to Call?
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish. 2 He said,
“I cried out to the Lord in my great trouble,
and he answered me.
I called to you from the land of the dead,
and Lord, you heard me! Jonah 2:1-3 (NLT, my emphasis)
Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.21 He said,
“I came naked from my mother’s womb,
and I will be naked when I leave.
The Lord gave me what I had,
and the Lord has taken it away.
Praise the name of the Lord!”
22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. Job 1:20-22 (NLT, my emphasis)
There are times in my life when events occur which leave me speechless. Occasionally it happens in a good way, like when my son paid me a surprise visit! But often world events are so out of control and horrific, or situations of friends and family are so devastating and painful, that I fall to my knees and cry, “God! Father! God! Please!” There are no words to describe just a straight-from-the-heart cry.
There is so much on blog sites, Facebook and numerous other media forums as “experts” attempt to explain daily events. I don’t know if I am more incredulous at what science and logic attempt to give as explanations, or how well-known preachers, teachers and prophets attempt to make some list of Scriptures fall around their explanations for (among others) “blood moons” and terrorist attacks, along with demonizing various present and past leaders, depending on their own political persuasions.
A very wise woman told me almost 20 years ago that not everything that God spoke into my life needed to be shared with the world. As I have evolved in my relationship with God, His Spirit has been faithful to teach me, discipline me on the value of listening to Him and then allow time to keep these words in my heart like a treasure of knowledge. It may become clear to my understanding as I continue to read and listen. I have often found that His knowledge is about how I live my life, as a witness and testimony to others. It is not about me convincing others of my way of thinking but to encourage others to turn to God, seek Him, lean on Him, trust Him in the every day and listen to His voice.
Who will I call when the days seem dark and painful? I will call from the darkness to the One who never tires, never sleeps, and is never caught by surprise or panics. And like, Jonah and Job, and those throughout the ages, I will praise my LORD for His faithfulness and great love. Join me in this song, the lyrics are imprinted on the video!
Days of Elijah written & sung by Paul Wilbur