There are wars, disasters, famine and plagues all around us. Some of us may be suffering now while it is just a matter of time before we all face trouble.
What should we do when this happens - especially during the time known in the Bible as Jacob’s trouble? Mostly what I hear lately is people pointing fingers at others for their trouble and expecting to be rescued. What should be our first course of action? Do we trust only in ourselves, do we rely on guns, run to doctors, or perhaps the government?
Pr 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
If our trust is in YHVH (the Lord), then our first response should be to cry out to Him.
If we fear YHVH and are righteous* in His sight, we can have confidence that YHVH will respond to our cry.
Ps 34:15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
Ps 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
Ps 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Ps 107:19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
Ps 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
But the wicked YHVH will not hear:
Pr 21:13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.
Jer 11:11 Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.
Eze 8:18 Therefore will I also deal in fury: mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
Mic 3:4 Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.
When facing a larger regional or global crisis, we should humble ourselves and gather together in one accord to seek YHVH.
In 2 Chron 20:1-25, Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, was faced with a large army gathered to attack. Jehoshaphat sought YHVH and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah. Everyone gathered together to seek YHVH for help. Jehoshaphat says a powerful, humble prayer and reminds YHVH to hear the people’s cry. The Spirit of YHVH came among the people and fell upon Jahaziel who spoke to the congregation about YHVH’s deliverance. When the people began singing praises, then YHVH caused the great army to destroy itself and Judah took the spoil.
Here is a passage from Joel showing what YHVH’s people are to do at the end of the age.
Joel 1:14-15 Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
More promises of deliverance for those that cry out to YHVH.
Isa 19:20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness unto the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt: for they shall cry unto the LORD because of the oppressors, and he shall send them a saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them.
Isa 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.
In conclusion we need to call out to YHVH during our times of trouble. May we call upon YHVH at all times and let these verses be our testimony.
Ps 28:1 Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.
Psalm 116:1-2 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
*Righteous: Strongs# 06662
AV-righteous 162, just 42, righteous man 1, lawful 1; 206
1) just, lawful, righteous