Crying Out For Help

It was an ordinary afternoon when our dog, Jack, and I were having a stroll around the neighborhood. Just a few blocks away from where we live there is a community park with a children’s play area at one end. To one side is a wooded area where Jack loves to scout for squirrels. We wandered for a while along the paths beneath the trees, then made our way toward the children’s playground.

School had dismissed for the day so it was no surprise that many of the parents, who had collected their children from school, were now gathered together at the park before heading to their homes. The actual children’s area is fenced in. The parents were sitting together on benches nearby the swings and slides. Much laughter and happy chatter filled the air when suddenly a loud cry of alarm shattered the joyous sounds of children at play.

Jack and I stopped quick when we heard the cry. I saw every parent’s head turn but only one stood up declaring, “That’s my Jenny!” She ran to the crowd of children now standing in stunned silence. Jenny had fallen from the slide. Her mother quickly came to her little girl and tenderly moved legs and arms, no doubt, to ascertain if anything was broken. She gently brushed bits of leaves and grass from the little girl’s dress and gave her a hug. Soon enough all was well in Jenny’s world once more.

I rather marveled at Jenny’s mother. Out of all the children and noises galore, how did she know it was Jenny who cried out? Her mother’s ears knew her child’s voice. There was no mistaking it even amidst other noises mingling loudly in the air. Jenny cried out. Her mother came quickly to the rescue.

It reminded me of Psalm 34:17-18, The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. How are you feeling today? Are you hurt in body or heart? Are you feeling all alone? Are you feeling forgotten or betrayed? Are you feeling all hope is gone? Cry out! Cry out loud and wait. Wait in anticipation. Your Father has heard you. He cares. He loves you without measure. He knows how to soothe away what troubles you. He is able to hold you up when you feel too weak to face what lies ahead. The Lord is near. He hears. He rescues. Call now and be comforted in His loving and strong arms.