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Answers For A Desperate Heart
by Kristenea M. LaVelle (Kristenea's bio)
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Do you find yourself in a desperate situation with a loved one? Have you reached the end of your rope and don't know where to turn for help? Is your world crumbling around you and you feel like you are going down with it? Any of these scenarios paint a picture of a desperate heart searching for answers, and the answers can only be found in God's Word, our instruction book for life.
In Psalm 107 we see four instances of extreme situations and God's response to the desperate heart that cries out for Him.
1. Wilderness Wanderings: "They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way;
they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them."
Psalm 107:4-5
In this passage, we see travelers on the road of life who have stumbled into a dry and barren place, a wilderness. They are alone, they have no place of rest, and no food or water to sustain them. The conditions are so harsh that scripture says …"their soul fainted in them." They were desperate for a solution to their circumstances and because of their desperation, they cried out to God.
"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go into a city of habitation." Psalm 107:6-7
God's response was not only total deliverance from the circumstances, but He graciously provided a place to satisfy their every need. A …"city of habitation" where they could find rest, fellowship, food and water.
2. Rebellion and Bondage: "Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down and there was none to help."
Psalm 107: 10-12
Here we see an instance where rebellion occurred in a relationship with God. Not only did they rebel, but they despised the counsel of the Lord and chose to do their own thing, which plunged them into darkness and bound them in affliction and chains. They are without light and guidance, and they dwell in the shadow of death with bondage and affliction being their only companion. Desperation caused them to cry out to God…
"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder." Psalm 107:13-14
Again, our gracious and forgiving God delivered them from darkness and broke the chains of bondage that once held them captive. He gave them freedom and light for their journey.
3. The Folly of Sin: "Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manor of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death." Psalm 107: 17-18
Here we see what part sin plays in the desperate situation. The Word says that …"the way of the transgressor is hard" Proverbs 13:15. Disobedience to God always brings consequences and correction even to the point that an individual would …"draw near unto the gates of death". God will implement drastic measures to get our attention and turn us toward His loving grace and mercy. These desperate souls cried out to God…
"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions." Psalm 107:19-20
Although transgression and iniquity brought on this extreme situation, the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord shine through. Once a heart cries out to God in desperation, seeking answers, God moves in power and might to deliver and to restore.
4. The Turbulent Storms of Life: "They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raise the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits end." Psalm 107:23-27
Here we see a picture of how God uses adversity to develop a believer. The Word says…"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12 The storms of life that arise are for our benefit as God shapes us transforms us from glory to glory. The Apostle Paul describes it this way:
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed…for we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:8,9,11
Nevertheless, in the midst of the storms of life, the desperate heart cries out to God…
"Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then they are glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven." Psalm 107:28-30
Though they pass through the fire of testing, God hears the cry of their heart and calms the waves and stills the storm. He brings peace and serenity to the frazzled soul and then leads them unto their desired haven. Not only has the storm passed, but now there is rest, comfort and security in the Lord.
Each time the desperate heart cries out to God seeking answers, God responds with deliverance, healing, guidance, safety and freedom.
Where are you in this picture? Does your situation fit in with any of these described? Cry out to God, the prayer of the desperate heart touches the heart of God and moves Him to action.
"Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders…Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." Psalm 107: 31,32,43
Copyright 2002, Kristenea M. LaVelle. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
| About Kristenea M. LaVelle: I am a wife of 10 years and a homeschooling mother of five dedicated to teaching and living the truth of Jesus Christ. David and I make our home in Spokane, Washington where we can serve our family and friends with the love of Christ. It was through His direction that I began writing and found myself on a fascinating new journey in life. Now my joy is made complete by writing for Him and about Him. E-mail Kristenea |
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