How to Cry Out to God

In the tragic storms of life Jesus specializes in calming waves and silencing the winds (see Mathew 14:22-33). It is amazing. How can Jesus do such things? How indeed. He is God! 

Bad news, danger, and pain all cause us to look for help. As believers, we dwell with the almighty God, who is able to help us. At those moments when we are hit by life’s circumstances, we can cry out to Him. In the Bible, crying out refers to speaking audibly with great emotion concerning an urgent need. God invites us to use this form of prayer to communicate that we desperately need His mercy.

·         Start with humility: It takes humility and faith to share our heart’s concern aloud. Crying out is a way for God’s children to express trust in the Lord’s ability and willingness to help. “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). By calling upon Him with such urgency, we also lay down our pride and any attitude of self-sufficiency.

·         Inviting God into your situation: The Word of God assures us that our Father hears our cries and responds. In Psalm 3:4, David wrote, “I was crying to the Lord with my voice, and He answered from His holy mountain.” When we speak the names of God aloud and call for help in name of Jesus, we invite His power into the situation. Remember that there is strength in just speaking His name.

·         Waiting upon the Lord: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my Hope” (Psalm 130:5). When we cry out to God, He may remove the problem immediately, yet we often have to wait for His perfect timing. Harsh circumstances might even be allowed to remain for His good purposes. But we can always count on His comfort and presence, which enable us to live with joy and hope.