Scripture Reading: Psalm 86:6–7
Introduction
A. We have seen the power in prayer and God’s willingness to forgive us when we approach Him humbly in prayer.
B. When we are in the depths of despair and don’t know what to do, we can always trust in the Lord to be there to help.
Discussion
I. From the depths of despair we can always count on God to hear us.
A. This can’t be said so confidently about any other source of aid (1 Kings 18:26; Isaiah 30:3; 31:1–3; Judges 5:17; 12:2).
B. God promises always to hear His children (2 Chronicles 7:14; Exodus 22:27; Psalms 72:12).
C. God always heard David when he called (Psalms 31:21–22; 22:24; 56:8–11; 1 Chronicles 21:26–27).
D. God heard Jehoshaphat when he called (2 Chronicles 20:12, 17).
E. He also heard Hezekiah (Isaiah 37:17, 33–35).
F. He heard the exiles when they called (Nehemiah 9:27).
II. God still hears the plaintive cries of His children.
A. He hears our cries for deliverance (James 5:14–15; Luke 18:13).
B. In times of trouble, we need to put our trust in Him (Psalms 20:7–9; 118:5–14; Jeremiah 17:5–7; Isaiah 40:18–31).
C. Do we hear when He calls (Isaiah 50:2; Jeremiah 22:21)?
Conclusion
A. The one whom the LORD hears is not the strongest, but the one who helps his brother when he is in need (Isaiah 58:6–9).
B. When you are in distress, do you think to pray? Are you living in such a way that God will hear?