The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 4, “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.”

There is a famous hymn we sing called Hear Me When I Cry, and it was written by a man who sat in the corner of a funeral home during the visitation for his wife who had just passed away. In what is a dark moment for anyone, he remembered the words of our reading and penned that beautiful song. A few things come to mind as I think about that song and David’s Psalm.

First, we all have those dark times that weigh on our souls. It is impossible to be on the “mountaintop” of life constantly. Even in the life of our Lord, we see the highs and the lows. From the celebration of the wedding feast at Cana of Galilee (John 2) to the pain of facing the cross (John 17). From the multitudes that pressed closer to hear Him (Luke 8:42) to the four people that stood by the cross (John 19:25). Jesus indeed was a man “of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). Take comfort in knowing that in those dark times, it is okay to feel that but understand that Jesus knows what you are feeling, let Him help you.

However, then, secondly, we think we understand what people are going through. However, we do not, at least not until we have to face the darkness of death, illness, or loss. I always thought I understood what people felt as I would conduct funerals for their parents who had just died. However, it was not unto my mother passed away that I could genuinely empathize with them. I am grateful I have never had a major surgery, but I feel inadequate trying to comfort someone who has. Nevertheless, here is the good news: God knows how you feel; let Him help you.

Lastly, you can truly appreciate knowing that God hears your prayers, and if you are a child of God, He will comfort you. He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 3:1-6).

By: Justin Odom