November 17

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no path to a city in which to dwell. They were hungry and thirsty; their soul fainted within them. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. — Ps 107:4-6 BSB

It wasn’t until they wandered in the wilderness, found no city to dwell in, became hungry and thirsty, and their souls fainted within them that they cried out to the Lord. Before that, there may have been prayer, a desire, a faint wish, perhaps an occasional sigh or groan. But that wasn’t enough to draw forth the loving-kindness of the compassionate Head of the Church. A cry of distress was needed, a cry of soul trouble, a cry forced out of the heart by heavy burdens. A cry implies necessity, an urgent need, and a desperation that will not let go without an answer. It is the breath of a soul determined to have eternal realities made known in their conscience, or else perish.

The Lord brings His people to this place, where there is no refuge but Himself. Friends, counselors, and acquaintances may sympathize, but they cannot provide relief. There is no refuge, shelter, harbor, or home to run to except the Lord. In this way, troubles force us to deal with God personally. They drive away the half-hearted religion we have so much of, and push out the superficial experience and dry profession we’re often content with, just as a strong wind drives away the mist. They bring us to the point where we must have communication from God to support us in and deliver us from our troubles. If troubles do not bring us to this point, they have done us no good. But what a mercy it is when a cry arises! And when the Lord sends the cry, He is sure, in His own time and way, to send deliverance.