They Cried to the Lord

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Scripture: Psalm 107:13-16 (NIV)

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.

Devotion

In Psalm 107:13-16, we witness a profound promise from God: no matter how deep our trouble or how dark our circumstances, when we earnestly call out to Him, He hears us and responds with deliverance. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.” These words remind us that God is attentive to every cry of pain, fear, or confusion that escapes our lips. He is not distant or indifferent—He steps into our situations with power unmatched and love unending.

The psalmist describes God bringing His people “out of darkness, the utter darkness, and breaking away their chains.” Sometimes, the darkness we face may be external—trials at home, work challenges, or health battles. At other times, it’s the quiet struggles within: doubt, depression, or guilt that chains our hearts. But God’s rescue isn’t partial or hesitant. He shatters the chains that bind us and leads us into light, restoring hope where despair lingered. The imagery of “gates of bronze” and “bars of iron” being broken shows that no obstacle—no matter how strong—can withstand God’s intervention.

God’s response is not just about immediate relief; it’s an invitation to gratitude and worship. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” Each rescue is a testimony to His steadfast love—a love that pursues us in our lowest moments and lifts us out of places we thought we'd never leave. When we reflect on how God has moved in our lives—how He’s answered prayers, opened doors, or provided comfort—we are prompted to respond with heartfelt thanks.

Today, if you feel weighed down or trapped by circumstances, remember: God hears your cries. He is mighty to save and willing to break every chain. Bring your needs to Him with honesty and trust. And as you experience His deliverance, let your life echo with gratitude, telling others of His faithfulness. In God, darkness and despair never have the final word—His love breaks through and brings freedom.

Prayer:

            Lord, we so often get discouraged by the problems of life. Please help us remember to cry out to you for your healing touch in our lives. As this psalm states, you are ready to hear our cries for help and to answer them. Let us never be ashamed or weighed down by our sins and errors, but trust that you are always there, ready to help in our times of distress. You have dealt with all our sins through Jesus' work on the cross and the empty tomb. May your name be glorified through us and through our obedience to you. Amen.

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