Accepting this challenge, I am in a battle to stand victoriously in the truths of God’s Word. Today on this “Sabbath Rest,” came another Sunday to worship corporately. It was then Psalm 119:18 found lodging in my heart as a burdened disciple offered a plea to God: “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” When we cry out, He hears our prayers: “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6); “. . . God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer” (Psalm 66:19). Such heartfelt prayers must be offered in humility and dependency: “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18).

Today has been a day of rest to contemplate where we can gain more ground in this time of “crying out” to God. Whether we choose to participate in a fast or spending more of an extended time on our knees, pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zone to serve the Lord and bring glory to His name, all involves crying out to God.

The stresses of life need not imprison you as in a “pinball machine” mentality bouncing you from one set of circumstances to another. But live wisely, heeding the call to live with thanksgiving in your heart! Burdened disciples offer up pleas to the God who hears.

“Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me” (Psalm 66:20).