September 28: Hear My Cry, O Lord

Hear My Cry, O Lord

Scripture Reading:
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I." (Psalm 61:1-2 KJV)

By Sharon Campbell Danvers | Daughters Arise Ministries

I tend to be drawn to topics that have a crying element. Truth be told, from as far back as I can remember, I have been crying. I had an immensely rough childhood, and I struggled to become the person I am today. I have witnessed abuse in all its forms, and I, too, have been impacted by physical, emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse. Honestly, I believe this is one of the reasons I am so affectionate toward people when I observe injustice or hurt.

Crying has always been a weapon of defense for me. But I did not realize it until quite recently. I used to think it was a sign of defeat or weakness. But I do find that it is in those moments that I am more reflective and my faith extends to God. Prayer through tears, genuine, can serve as a way to talk to the Lord.

I remember growing up, feeling neglected and alone, and I cried to God and asked Him to give me a family that was not only opposite to the one I experienced, but one that acknowledged Him as the center of our lives. I believe that God answered my prayers.

I can vividly remember the last beating I received. It was terrible, and my big brother came to my rescue. That rescue almost cost him his life. I cried and asked God to make a way. There were nights I went to my bed without food, and I asked God to provide, and my food basket has never been empty.

It was in those moments of crying out from the end of the earth that God heard me and delivered me.
It was during those dark periods.
It was during that hurt.
That separation.
That neglect.
Those belittlings.
Those prejudices.

When My Heart Was Overwhelmed

I cried to God when my heart was overwhelmed. There were times when the weight of pain pressed down so heavily that I felt I could not breathe. My heart carried grief too deep for words, but my tears spoke for me. In those moments, God reminded me that His shoulders are wide enough to bear my burdens. He did not turn away from my brokenness, He gathered me close.

When My Back Was Against the Wall

I cried to God when my back was against the wall. There seemed to be no way forward and no way out. Options were gone, doors were shut, and I felt trapped. Yet in that narrow place, God became my Deliverer. He made a way where there was no way. He reminded me that even when I am hemmed in, He is the God who parts seas and moves mountains.

When My Mind Was in Turmoil

I cried to God when my mind was in turmoil. Thoughts swirled, fear shouted, doubt whispered, and anxiety pressed in. I could not quell the storm within. But God spoke peace to my troubled heart. He reminded me that He is not the author of confusion but of perfect peace. His Word became my anchor, His promises my steady ground.

When All Hope Seemed Lost

I cried to God when all hope seemed lost. Darkness surrounded me, and despair tried to convince me that there was no point in going on. But God became my light in the valley of shadows. He showed me that hope is not based on circumstances, but on His unchanging character. Where my hope ended, His hope began.

Overwhelmed, I Was Led to the Rock

Overwhelmed, I was led to the Rock. When I could not stand, He lifted me. When I felt like sinking, He set my feet upon Himself, the Rock of Ages, steady and sure. Between a rock and a hard place, I found that the Rock was not an obstacle but a refuge.

I Still Cry, But Not as Someone Without Hope

I still cry, but my tears no longer carry despair. They carry faith. I cry as one who knows God, not a distant God, but a God who has been near in every valley. My tears are prayers, my sighs are worship, my brokenness is an offering. I know the God who bottles every tear, the God who will one day wipe them all away.

Cry If You Must

Cry if you must, but do not cry as one defeated. Cry as one who knows that God hears. Cry as one who trusts that God delivers. Let your tears fall, but let them fall into the hands of the One who will never let you go.

Prayer

Lord, hear my cry. Attend to my prayer. When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Thank You for being my refuge in times of despair and my hope in times of pain. Help me to remember that every tear I shed is seen by You, and none are wasted. May my tears water the seeds of faith and trust, knowing that You will always provide, rescue, and sustain me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.