Is it too late to pray?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.                Psalm 46:1-2

Does it do any good to pray when your ship is sinking, when your plane has been hijacked or when you have reached a point of desperation? Does God hear you when you have ignored Him for years and now need His help?

The good news is that it is never too late to pray. In a time of national disaster, Nahum cried out, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him“ (Nahum 1:7). In this verse, Nahum gives us three very encouraging assurances about God.

First, God is a good God. He hears the voice of the one in need and responds, whether he is in good standing with Him or is a stranger at His table. Otherwise, none of us would ever qualify to get a hearing with the King of Kings.

Second, God is a refuge to whom you can flee when difficulty, tragedy or disaster confronts you. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging,” says Psalm 46:1-3.

And finally Nahum tells us that God cares for those who trust in Him. Ours is a world that knows little of real compassion and concern. It is comforting to know that in our times of need, God is not indifferent.

The more you know of God’s love and concern and the promises of Scripture, the greater your faith will be in time of need.

For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2:6-11