Week 29: July 13-19, 2025 - Cry Out to the Lord!

This week’s daily readings:

July 13-19, 2025

This week’s devotional:

Cry Out to the Lord!

by Rt. Rev. Brian Bethke 

Scripture: 

O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger,
    nor discipline me in your wrath.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
    heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. 

— Psalm 6:1-2 (ESV)

Reflection:

It was one of those days! You know, those days that feel like nothing is going your way and everything (and everybody) is against you. First, my alarm broke, and I woke up late. Second, I hit bumper-to-bumper traffic on the way to work. Third, it was a record day of high temperatures, in the 100s. Fourth, the air conditioning in my car went out. Fifth, I found out I was selected to deploy again to Afghanistan (thank you, USMC). Sixth, my boss was demanding I work late. Seventh, I kept getting calls from home because my kids were constantly fighting with each other. Eighth, I hit bumper-to-bumper traffic again on my way home. Ninth, I got randomly pulled over by the California Highway Patrol as a training exercise for a new officer. Tenth, on my way home, thinking about what I would make on my barbecue grill, Erica let me know that the grill had caught fire and was destroyed. Finally, eleventh, as soon as I walked in, my 15-year-old son decided this was the day he was going to declare his independence by trying to physically challenge me to a wrestling match. (The heat must have affected his brain!) Needless to say, I was tired, discouraged, and felt alone. 

Sometimes it feels like everything and everybody is against us. Sometimes we think that it’s wrong to cry out to the Lord in times of sorrow or stress. It almost seems as if we are complaining. 

We must always remember that God is sovereign in every situation, both good and bad. Cry out to him! Cast your troubles, failures, and concerns to the only one that has control. In verse 9 of that same Psalm 6 it says, “The Lord has heard my plea; the Lord accepts my prayer.” This statement is true in Christ. In Christ, God hears us and WILL NOT turn us away. If you are feeling overwhelmed, if you have stumbled, remember God’s grace is vast and he is ready at any time to listen, to give comfort, and to lavish you in his mercy. 

Prayer:

God in heaven, have mercy! Hear us as we cry out, just as David cried out to you. Give us peace through your Holy Spirit to know you’re not angry and that we’re never alone. Help us especially, Lord, when we are having “one of those days!” We admit that you alone are sovereign over our lives. You are all-knowing and ever-present, and we gladly place all of our problems under your capable control. Lend us your strength and your patience during times of trial. Fill us each day with the assurance that only comes from trusting you. Remind us of your promises—your faithfulness throughout the years—and give us comfort in your abiding love. For all these things we bring you thanks and praise in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen