I was all alone in the hospital room. A team of doctors and nurses had just rushed my pregnant wife out for an emergency C-section. They told me they would let me know when my son was born. I was lost in a sea of confusion and anxiety and was overwhelmed. I could do nothing but cry out to the Lord.
The year was 2020, a year full of surprises. Unexpectedly, we found out that my wife was pregnant, which was a miracle because of our infertility. But the pregnancy was nothing like what we expected. I was not allowed to attend any of the appointments. My wife’s blood pressure became an area of concern, and we found ourselves in the hospital weeks before our son was due.
This journey led me to an empty hospital room. I want to say I had full faith, but I didn’t. I fell to my knees on that cold, hard floor and wept, but I could only muster the simple word “please.” I pleaded with God on behalf of my wife and son, who both came out of the procedure fine.
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. This verse is rooted in reality. There are moments when all we can do is cry out to God. We do this because circumstances, emotions, or pain have overwhelmed us. We need God’s power, strength, wisdom, knowledge, and presence.
God graciously and mercifully leads us into His presence where we find a sure foundation of love, hope, peace, and joy. Attempting to find all those things apart from the Lord is impossible, but thankfully, He hears our cries and lovingly responds.
Don’t fall into the trap of believing that you have it all together and know all the answers. Instead, be honest. When you find yourself overwhelmed, cry out to your heavenly Father, who will lead you into His peaceful, powerful presence.
James Neal is a Discipleship Pastor at Central Baptist Church in Dunn, NC. He is tremendously blessed to call Jenni his wife and highly favored and to call Logan, Megan, and Gavin his children. James loves to write Sunday school lessons, devotionals, and scripts (including Thanksgiving musicals because, believe it or not, that is a thing). He enjoys studying and consuming stories from all sorts of media styles and enjoys many fandoms in his spare time. Most importantly, he desires to glorify God with his pen and life.