What is your earliest memory? I recently looked up a schedule to find out when a certain train passed near our home, as I remember being in my dad’s truck early one morning as this train went by. It turns out it was less than a month after my second birthday. I have other memories from around that time including once when I fell and scraped up my arm, then went looking for my parents to help. There were other instances I recall of getting hurt or when emotions were running high, but it was usually followed by seeking sympathy or help from mom or dad. Who did you call out to when you were hurt as a child? How about now?
In my distress I called to the Lord;
I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
my cry came before him, into his ears. Psalm 18:6
When you become a parent, or even when you are babysitting or working with someone else’s children, the roles flip and you become the responsible one who can help or offer comfort when something happens. Do you remember the first time someone came crying to you for help? Maybe it was even a sibling or a friend, but you were the closest one who was there when needed. If you have ever held a crying baby, you hold, rock, and speak soft, comforting words to let them know they are ok…that they are loved and will be alright. Isn’t this what we all seek, someone who will comfort us in our distress and speak words of truth, to tell us we are loved?
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
In our culture, most of us don’t like to show our vulnerability, much less cry out to others for help very often. Even though emotions can run high on social media, most of these folks still prefer to remain anonymous. But we still feel and experience the same sadness, loss, joy and fears that everyone else has through history. Some cultures are more expressive than others. Looking to Jesus as our example, he did not always hide his emotions, but showed them fairly often as he ministered, even crying when his friend died. He called on his Father in times of need as well.
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
So, if someone calls out to you in their distress, whether they are 2 months or 20 years of age, lend them a listening ear. Give them words of truth and encouragement, just as your heavenly Father does for you, whenever you cry out to Him. Take time to talk with Him today.
Courage in Christ,
Clark
