Strange places

Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish''s belly. — Jonah 2:1

Walking past my barn one day, I heard a frantic chirping inside, and upon investigation I found a bluejay beating its wings against the glass pane of the window. Had it not cried and squawked, I would not have heard it. But its plaintive note prompted me to open the door wide and the jay flew out to liberty.

That bluejay was in a strange place for a bird; and Jonah found himself in a strange place for a human being. Because of his disobedience, Jonah was cast into the sea, swallowed by a sea monster and trapped in its belly. Although it was Jonah’s own fault that he was there, God was also there to hear his prayer. And when he confessed, God delivered him.

God’s children sometimes get themselves into some strange places and unhappy circumstances because of their folly. Are you in a strange place today? Are you out of fellowship with the Lord, defeated, unhappy? Then cry to God, confess your sin, and be restored by His abundant mercy (1 John 1:9). God is waiting to hear your faintest cry and accept your repentance.

Maybe through your own foolish choices you’re in a strange place today — but He is with you and waiting to hear your cry. Don’t wait another day. — M. R. De Haan, M.D.

When I ceased my vain endeavor

And to Jesus yielded all,

Then He came, the Overcomer;

Conquering foes both great and small. — Complin

READ: Psalm 40:1-8

When you’re in the wrong place,

God always has the right answer.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Samuel 14-15

• Luke 17:1-19