On May 13th 2007 my son was killed in Hadithia, Iraq. The last 3 years have been wrought with intermittent periods of loss, longing mixed in with great joy and sometimes great sorrow. I will admit I did not always handle those feelings with grace and I questioned God on more than one occasion. How do you respond in time of need or great misery?
“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.” Psalm 141:1
In the verse above, King David illustrates one approach. When under duress, he went into the presence of God and called to Him. David had an intimate relationship with God and it was a regular occurrence for him to petition God.
In contrast, the Apostle Peter responded quite differently. When jailed between two soldiers and bound in chains, he slept. The angel had to awaken him saying, “Quick, get up … put on your clothes and sandals … follow me.”
When disturbing circumstances take place, it’s wonderful to have the faith of Peter — to simply rest in the Lord and sleep soundly. But you may not be able to do that. God knows how you are constituted. He remembers that you are but dust. David was driven to his knees — driven into the presence of God.
My wife Lynn is more like David than I am. On more than a few occasions during those first weeks after Rhys’ death, my wife asked the Lord to “just hold her and give her rest.” She was filled with such sorrow it seemed the things I said to ease her pain were of little comfort. Being in the presence of the Lord and knowing she could just ask him to hold her, was her escape from the torment. I envy her faith.
My faith was not as strong then as it is now. During those times I struggled with it and fought the demons that were tearing at the very fabric of my beliefs. The faith and prayers of others were what gave me the strength to overcome my sorrow and gain a new perspective on what my walk with Christ should be. Now I realize that my faith needs to be a combination of David and Peter’s. I must have the confidence to both call on God without reservation and to rest assured that he has my back even if he has to send an Angel to move me along.
Let that be a source of comfort and cheer to you. You, too, can come into God’s presence at any time. Ask the Lord to come quickly and hear your pleas for help in personal circumstances. Be confident! God will answer.
Recommended Reading: Psalm 17:1-9
