In the Word Wednesday: Look Up and Cry Out

Start by reading Luke 11:15-32.

“How could I let this happen? How can I possibly go on?” she muttered as the hot tears soaked her pillow. Her whole world had fallen apart. Her life was in ruins – broken into a million tiny pieces – completely unrecognizable. The wild parties, the drugs, the alcohol, the promiscuous sex…the allure of living with complete abandon was incredibly enticing. But the promise of thrilling rushes of adrenaline, pleasure, and excitement had morphed into total darkness, emptiness, and relentless heartache. She felt as if she was walking around in a thick hazy fog – unable to comprehend the state in which she found herself. Heaviness was pressing upon her, crushing her into deep despair. Nearly unbearable aching encompassed her body – her entire being. She was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted.

Most, if not all, of us have been in that place of deep despair – whether by our own actions or those of someone else. We end up in a place where our world closes in around us, and we feel utterly helpless and hopeless. We teeter ever so closely to the edge of completely giving up. How can we possibly muster up the strength, the energy, the courage, the hope to take just one more step?

No matter how deep or wide the pit in which we find ourselves, Jesus will lift us out of the muck and mire…if we look up and cry out to Him. As we draw nearer to Him, He will draw nearer to us (James 4:8). It doesn’t matter what we’ve done or how far we’ve traveled down the wrong road. He keeps no record of wrongs. Just as the father ran to greet his prodigal son, our Heavenly Father will likewise run toward us as we run toward Him. And in the same way the father celebrated the prodigal’s son return, all the heavens will rejoice when we return home (Luke 15:10).

Are you hurting today? Do you feel lost, helpless, and hopeless? He loves you more than you could ever imagine, and He desperately wants you to return to Him. He will walk with you through your pain. He will give you peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). He will comfort you, lead you beside still waters, and restore your soul (Psalm 23:1-4, paraphrased). Your cup will overflow with His goodness and mercy (Psalm 23:5-6, paraphrased), and He will rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 4:16-17). He will bind up your broken heart. He will give you oil of gladness for your mourning, beauty for your ashes, and a garment of praise in the place of your despair (Isaiah 61:1-3).

He’s awaiting your return. He will respond with the most amazing lovingkindness you’ve ever known. There won’t be an “I told you so” or “You should have listened.” That’s how we tend to do it, but Jesus is different!

His love is perfect (1 John 4:18). He doesn’t condemn (Romans 8:1). He wraps His loving arms around us, takes us by the hand, and celebrates our return (1 John 1:7, Isaiah 41:10). Will you look up and cry out to Jesus today?

He’s waiting for you.

*NOTE: All Scripture used is paraphrased.

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This week’s Scriptures from Pray Together Tuesday & Wednesday in the Word:

• Psalm 39:7
• Mark 12:28-30
• Ephesians 3:20-21
• Philippians 1:20
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Romans 8:25
• Psalm 5:3
• Luke 11:15-32
• Luke 15:10
• James 4:8
• Matthew 11:28-30
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Psalm 23
• Zephaniah 4:16-1
• Isaiah 6:1-3
• Romans 8:1
• 1 John 4:18
• 1 John 1:7
• Isaiah 41:10