Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. - Psalm 4:1. At first, this cry for help seems very demanding. However, closer inspection shows that this is really the cry of desperation.
Have you been there? I surely have, and I regularly hear from other Christians, who are there now. But, read how this Psalm ends! What is the secret to surviving a long agony? I believe three things are important:
1. Honesty in our prayer life with God.
2. Confidence that God hears, and cares even when our prayers sizzle with pain and frustration.
3. Genuine praise for God included in our prayers, even when things seem miserable.
It's not a magical formula, but it is a Spirit-inspired one... check it out in Psalm 4!
Loving Father, hear my cry for relief, as well as the relief of those I love, from agony, burdens, and suffering. By the power of the Holy Spirit, answer in amazing and miraculous ways, so that we may not only be relieved, but in such a way that you may be glorified. In the wonderful Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged!
GBYAY
