Cry

I had never felt so alone. Everything I’d expected for that year of ministry in college had just fallen apart.  And there I was, sitting on the floor in my dorm room. Weeping my fear and aloneness to God. And then suddenly I wasn’t alone. Jesus was right there, sitting next to me, crying with me.

I have never before or since felt the presence of Jesus so tangibly. In that moment, without a doubt, Jesus was with me, and I wasn’t alone. Jesus knew my sorrow, and even though he knew how he would work out my situation, he met me in my tears.

This experience is good for me to remember. Because there are times when I cry out and it doesn’t feel like God has heard me. But like King David in this verse in 2 Samuel, I am reminded that no matter what, every time I cry out, God hears.

During this Lenten season, are you crying out to God? Are you struggling to believe that God is listening? Spend some time with this verse. Remind yourself of other times God heard you. Practice believing that God hears your cry, even if you can’t feel it. See how you meet God in new ways during Lent.

Jesus, thank you for hearing us every time we cry. Use our tears to draw us closer to you. Transform our sorrow into joy. Amen.

Helen Troutman, LCM Board Member

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears.

Samuel 22:7