“In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears.” Psalm 18:6

A friend who lives a thousand miles away was recently hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage. My heart cried out for her, her husband and baby. I longed to do something for the family, but living so far apart made the practical impossible. I couldn’t babysit, make a meal or even sit in the hospital holding her hand. I felt helpless and felt my lack of control.

Days after I heard about my friend, I was awoken in the early hours by the phone ringing. Our coffee shop alarm was going off. I was 100 miles away on a church retreat and unable to do anything. Again, the feelings of helplessness and lack of control overwhelmed me.

I cried out in prayer waiting to hear what was happening at the shop. I cried out for my friend who was suffering. I cried out for God to intervene because I had no control and could do nothing for either situation. As I prayed, God spoke to my heart, “Seek my face.” 

Instantly I was humbled. I often cry out for God to intervene in hard situations or to give me wisdom, but do I cry out with the same passion for His presence? God desires me to bring my cares and concerns to Him, but He wants so much more than to only be a “Fixer” in my life.

David passionately cried out to God for help in the Psalms. Despite his hard circumstances his psalms are full of longing for God, not just for deliverance. What do I cry out for? Only intervention?

When was the last time you passionately cried out to God? What were you crying out for – Him or what He could do for you?

Forgive me, Father, for only seeking what You can do for me. Forgive me for not just seeking You.