ROARING

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

 

ROARING

Ps 22:1

22 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

 

Matt 27:46

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

 

          Our English word “roaring” can be found in Scripture sixteen times using six original root words. Psalm 22 is a song of David describing his agony and rage regarding his circumstances and his inner question of abandonment by his God. Jesus quotes David in Matthew’s account of the crucifixion.

 

          Most of us have endured pain that caused us to growl in agony or rage in fury against it. We feel a kinship with both David and Jesus in this. Perhaps we have even questioned God regarding our circumstance. Perhaps we have felt abandoned, alone, and in need of rescue.

 

          Jesus warned us that, near the end, we would see our culture roaring and all of nature groaning and in need of relief.  “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring.”  Luke 21:25

 

          James reminds us in James 5:11 that, “The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Paul reminded us in Rom 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

 

          Turn your roaring into whispering. Breathe a prayer to the God who HAS NOT abandoned you because He is pitiful, and of tender mercy. Allow the Holy Spirit to plead your case and be at peace.

 

Merciful Father, bless those who roar in painful circumstances today. Give ear to the Holy Spirit who pleads our cause. Thank you, Lord. AMEN