The freelance project wasn’t working out well. The clients were demanding what seemed to be the impossible, and I was stressed and discouraged. My first reaction was just to walk away from it, which would mean not getting paid for the work I’d done—and also eliminating the possibility of future projects with them. Then the thought came to me: Have you prayed to God yet?
Mentally slapping my forehead, I realized that I’d neglected to ask God for help! And so I prayed . . . and immediately felt better. Nothing had changed—the project remained challenging—but I felt peace wash over me. Now I knew I could rest in God: I’d just do whatever I could and leave the outcome to Him.
Perhaps David felt the same way when he submitted his fears and worries to God. In Psalm 6, he starts off describing his anguish at being hounded by his enemies (vv. 3, 7). But as he continued turning to God for help, he felt reassured: “The Lord has heard my cry . . . the Lord accepts my prayer” (v. 9).
That truth came with the hope that he would be delivered, in God’s time and way (v. 10). Prayer isn’t some feel-good technique, but it’s a direct connection with the all-seeing, all-powerful One who will help us in His time and way. Feeling down or discouraged? Just pray—God hears.
What troubles or worries are you facing now? How can you remind yourself to keep bringing them to God?
Dear God, thank You for hearing my prayers for help. Please grant me peace, for I know I can leave my troubles in Your mighty, loving hands.
Though the occasion isn’t identified, David’s calamity in Psalm 6 is clear: “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?” (vv. 2-3). The weightiness of the situation also comes through in verses 6-7: “I am worn out from my groaning. . . . My eyes grow weak with sorrow.” From the aches and ashes of his distress, David’s prayers arose (vv. 4-5), and God heard them (vv. 8-9). The same principle is in play in 1 Samuel 1. Hannah, who was childless and oppressed with grief, cried out to God (v. 10). He answered her (vv. 17, 20), and she responded in praise to His goodness (2:1-10). When we’re in trouble, discouraged, or worried, we can come to God in prayer and be assured that He hears us and will answer according to His will.
Listen to how God's peace replaces worry when we draw near in prayer.
