If you’ve ever experienced the terror of a panic attack, then you’ve undoubtedly prayed a prayer of distress. It’s a prayer that comes from the depths of a tormented soul. It’s not a superficial prayer or just a mouthing of words–it’s a cry of distress.
God considered King David a man after his own heart (Acts 13:22). Yet even David cried out to God for help when he felt afraid. I can imagine him groaning and weeping in prayer.
“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).
When David cried out to the Lord, something happened–something unseen. God not only heard David’s prayers–he sprang into action:
“The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him–the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies, great bolts of lightning and routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:7-19).
The next time you are consumed with fear and cry out to God for help, know this: you may not see any immediate response to your prayers with the natural eye, but something supernatural has begun. There is a whole other world beyond your senses that has been affected by your cry for help. God does not simply dispatch a couple of angels to help you. He acts. He responds. He comes to save you himself.
What an amazing thought to know God cares for you so much!
Prayer: Father, release your wrath on my foe of fear. Thank you that you come to my rescue when I call on you; and help me not to doubt your strength or power, even when I think you are slow to respond.
