Read: Jonah 2:1-10, Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! (Ps. 130:1)

I was drowning; crushed by the waves, sinking without hope, wrapped in weeds for burial in the depths of the sea—and yet I am alive! I cannot see or move, but I am breathing and I am alive. Where am I? In the belly of some sea monster? I sensed a large presence, and then in an awful moment, I was here. To now die a slower, more painful death than drowning? It’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!

But, no! I called out to the Lord as they threw me overboard. I said I wanted to die, but not really. I am a strong, self-reliant man, but I was afraid. And I remembered the Lord. Lord, I want to live and go on worshipping you. I believe you put me in this fish, to save me, somehow, someway. Thank you! I will go on thanking you, I promise you that, Lord. The smell is horrible, and I hurt. I want to scream. Every second in this beast seems a lifetime. But, I praise you. You are the one true God. You will deliver me! I will keep on praising you, for as long as you choose to keep me here, and after that as well.

Prayer:
Lord, may you not have to allow me to go through trouble to get my attention. Help me thank you in all circumstances, trust you to do what’s best, and always be your willing servant. Amen.

Author: Doug VanBronkhorst