Cry Out Before You Go Under

Well, I’ll be a sun‑kissed fence post, the Lord has done handed you this here day like a warm, buttered  biscuit straight outta the oven that’s invitin’ you to step out with a big ol’ smile and enjoy the great gift of bein’ alive. Luke 11:10 says that “everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and everyone who knocks gets a door opened.” That is God’s way of ‘a-sayin, “Just holler if you be needin’’ Me.”

Now holdin’ on that that there pride and self‑sufficiency, which really means that you are done ‘a-mite too big for your britches and too doggone stubborn to be ‘a-askin’ for help. Butterbean, that there attitude can git to be thicker than bark on a tree, and them things will keep you from cryin’ out to God when you start ‘a-sinkin’.

Just ask ol’ Peter. In Matthew 14:22-33, He was done ‘a-walkin’ on water one minute and then done ‘a-droppin’ like a sack of wet chicken feed the next. But when he done hollered, “Save me, Lord,” Jesus didn’t go to lecturin’ him, scoldin’ him, or handin’ him a floatie. The Bible says Jesus done right away reached on out grab him up way before you could blink twice. Real quick-like. Faster than a lil’ ol’ squirrel can snatch up a pecan.

Some folks do not like ‘a-askin’ for help. They would rather done be ‘a-drownin’ with dignity than be ‘a-hollerin’ for a lifeguard. I once knowed a gal who done got caught in waves at the beach. She said she done had just two choices. She could cry out and done be rescued, or sink quietly and done avoid embarrassment. Thankfully, she done chose the first one ‘cause dignity is real overrated when you’re done ‘a-gulpin’ that ol’ salty  seawater.

Truth is, we all are ‘a-getting’ in over our heads from time to time. Ol’ Jonah, he done cried out from the belly of a big ol’ fish (Jonah 1:17). Hannah, she done cried out from real deep anguish (1 Samuel 1:10). Ol’ David, he done cried out from stress that would be ‘a-buckin’ a bull (Psalm 142:24). And Jesus Himself done cried out straight from that there cross (Matthew 27:50). If the Son of God was not too proud to cry out to God, buttercup, we shore-nuff shouldn’t neither.

There be only so many things we can be ‘a-fixin’ on our own. Cryin’ out to God is openin’ up the door for Him to step right on in with His power, mercy, and solutions that we never, ever could have been ‘a-dreamin’ up by ourselves. Every day, we are ‘a-needin’ the very best that our God is ‘a-wantin’ to offer to us. And He is ‘a-standin’ so ready, ‘a-listenin’ real close, ‘a-waitin’ patiently for to he ‘a-hearin’ your voice ‘a-callin’ out to Him.

Father, thank You that I can be ‘a-callin’ on You anytime I am ‘a-sinkin’, ‘a-strugglin’, or ‘a-tryin’ to be ‘a-holdin’ it all together. Be ‘a-helpin’ me to be ‘a-layin’ lay down my pride and be ‘a-cryin’ out for Your help. Be ‘a-fillin’ me with Your strength, peace, and guidance. I am ‘a-trustin’ Your love and believin’ You will be deliverin’ me. In Jesus holy name I pray. Amen.

Well, I reckon that there is shore-nuff’ gonna be enough truth to float a leaky rowboat on today. Now, you go on out there, friend, and be rememberin’ that pridefully ‘a-lettin’ yourself be ‘a-drownin’ with dignity is real overrated ‘cause it don’t make any real good sense, for shore. You best done be ‘a-cryin’ out and ‘a-hollerin’ real loud, butterbean. The Lord is done already ‘a-reachin’ out His long, lovin’ arms for you!

With joy,

Gwen