Crying Out to Jesus: Finding Hope in Distress
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound importance of crying out to Jesus in our times of need. We began by understanding that the Lord promises to deliver us from our troubles when we cry out to Him, as stated in Psalms 34:17. Jesus Himself demonstrated this act of crying out to God, notably in Matthew 27:46, where He expressed His anguish on the cross. This act of crying out is not just a plea for help but a demonstration of our hunger and thirst for righteousness, which Jesus assures will be completely satisfied.
Crying out to God is an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and an invitation for His love, mercy, and grace to enter our lives. It is an act of vulnerability and trust, showing our faith in His ability to do the impossible. This act aligns our hearts with His will, bringing clarity and direction amidst our struggles. It is also an act of humility and worship, recognizing His sovereignty and inviting the Holy Spirit to work within us.
We examined the story of Peter walking on water, where his initial faith allowed him to walk towards Jesus, but his distraction by the storm caused him to sink. Peter's cry for help, "Master, save me," was immediately answered by Jesus, illustrating that our cries compel Jesus to respond with compassion and authority.
Many of us struggle to cry out due to pride, shame, or a reluctance to face our storms. Personal anecdotes highlighted how bottling up emotions can lead to prolonged suffering. The story of my own delayed grief over my mother's death underscored the necessity of crying out to Jesus to truly heal and find peace.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to cry out to Jesus in our distress, trusting that He will respond without hesitation, lifting us above our troubles and enabling us to walk on top of our storms.
### Key Takeaways
1. Dependence on God: Crying out to God is an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and our need for His help. It is a humble admission that we cannot navigate life's challenges on our own and need His divine intervention. This act of crying out opens us up to receive His love, mercy, and grace. [01:23]
2. Expression of Faith: When we cry out to Jesus, we are expressing our faith in His ability to do the impossible. It is a declaration of trust in His power and sovereignty over our lives. This act of faith not only brings peace and comfort but also aligns our hearts with His will, providing clarity and direction amidst our struggles. [02:47]
3. Humility and Worship: Crying out to Jesus is an act of humility and worship. It is a recognition that we are not self-sufficient and need His guidance and strength. This act draws us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His presence in a deeper way and inviting the Holy Spirit to work within us. [04:10]
4. Immediate Response: Our cries for help capture Jesus' attention and compel Him to respond. Just as Peter's cry for help was immediately answered by Jesus, our desperate pleas draw out His compassion, love, and authority. This assurance encourages us to cry out in our times of need, knowing that Jesus will respond without hesitation. [05:53]
5. Facing Reality: Many of us struggle to cry out due to pride, shame, or a reluctance to face our storms. Bottling up emotions can lead to prolonged suffering and hinder our healing. By crying out to Jesus, we confront our reality and invite His healing presence into our lives, allowing us to find true peace and comfort. [09:31]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Why Cry Out to Jesus?
[01:23] - Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
[02:47] - Ten Benefits of Crying Out
[04:10] - Peter's Example: Walking on Water
[05:53] - The Struggle to Cry Out
[07:32] - Personal Anecdote: Delayed Grief
[09:31] - The Power of Crying Out
[10:57] - Invitation to Cry Out
[12:30] - Closing Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalms 34:17 - "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
2. Matthew 27:46 - "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' that is, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?'"
3. Psalms 18:6 - "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalms 34:17, what happens when the righteous cry for help?
2. How did Jesus demonstrate the act of crying out to God in Matthew 27:46?
3. In the story of Peter walking on water, what caused Peter to begin sinking, and what was his immediate reaction? [04:10]
4. What are some reasons mentioned in the sermon that prevent people from crying out to Jesus? [05:53]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to acknowledge our dependence on God when we cry out to Him? How does this align with the message in Psalms 34:17?
2. How does Jesus' cry on the cross in Matthew 27:46 reflect His humanity and His relationship with the Father?
3. Why is it significant that Peter's cry for help was immediately answered by Jesus? What does this tell us about Jesus' response to our cries? [04:10]
4. How can bottling up emotions and refusing to cry out to Jesus prolong our suffering, according to the sermon? [05:53]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. Did you cry out to God for help? If not, what held you back? How might you approach a similar situation differently now?
2. Jesus cried out to God in His moment of deepest anguish. How can you follow His example in your own times of distress? [01:23]
3. Peter's initial faith allowed him to walk on water, but his distraction by the storm caused him to sink. What are some "storms" in your life that distract you from keeping your eyes on Jesus? How can you refocus on Him? [04:10]
4. The sermon mentioned that pride, shame, and reluctance to face our storms can prevent us from crying out to Jesus. Which of these do you struggle with the most, and how can you overcome it? [05:53]
5. The pastor shared a personal story about delayed grief over his mother's death. Have you ever experienced delayed grief or bottled-up emotions? How did it affect you, and what steps can you take to cry out to Jesus for healing? [07:32]
6. Crying out to Jesus is an act of humility and worship. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily life to draw closer to Him and invite the Holy Spirit to work within you? [02:47]
7. Think of a current struggle or storm you are facing. Take a moment to cry out to Jesus in prayer, asking for His help and guidance. How do you feel after doing this, and what steps can you take to continue seeking His presence in your life? [12:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Dependence on God
Crying out to God is an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him and our need for His help. It is a humble admission that we cannot navigate life's challenges on our own and need His divine intervention. This act of crying out opens us up to receive His love, mercy, and grace. When we cry out to God, we are essentially saying that we trust Him more than our own abilities. This act of dependence is not a sign of weakness but a profound expression of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.
In our moments of distress, it is easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, the act of crying out to God reminds us that we are not alone and that He is always ready to help us. This dependence on God is a cornerstone of our faith, as it aligns our hearts with His will and allows us to experience His presence in a deeper way. By acknowledging our need for Him, we invite His transformative power into our lives, enabling us to overcome our struggles and find peace. [01:23]
Psalm 34:17 (ESV): "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you express your dependence on God in this situation today?
Day 2: Expression of Faith
When we cry out to Jesus, we are expressing our faith in His ability to do the impossible. It is a declaration of trust in His power and sovereignty over our lives. This act of faith not only brings peace and comfort but also aligns our hearts with His will, providing clarity and direction amidst our struggles. Crying out to Jesus is a powerful way to demonstrate our belief that He is in control and that He cares deeply about our circumstances.
Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God's promises and character. By crying out to Jesus, we are actively placing our trust in Him and inviting Him to intervene in our lives. This act of faith can be a source of great encouragement and strength, as it reminds us that we are not alone and that God is with us in every situation. As we express our faith through crying out, we open ourselves up to receive His guidance and experience His peace. [02:47]
Mark 9:23-24 (ESV): "And Jesus said to him, 'If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.' Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, 'I believe; help my unbelief!'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to express more faith in Jesus' ability to do the impossible? How can you actively place your trust in Him today?
Day 3: Humility and Worship
Crying out to Jesus is an act of humility and worship. It is a recognition that we are not self-sufficient and need His guidance and strength. This act draws us closer to Him, allowing us to experience His presence in a deeper way and inviting the Holy Spirit to work within us. Humility is a key aspect of our relationship with God, as it acknowledges our limitations and His greatness.
Worship is not just about singing songs or attending church services; it is about living a life that honors God and seeks His presence. By crying out to Jesus, we are engaging in a profound act of worship that goes beyond words and touches the very core of our being. This act of humility and worship opens our hearts to receive God's love and allows us to experience His transformative power in our lives. [04:10]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: How can you practice humility and worship in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to draw closer to Jesus and invite the Holy Spirit to work within you?
Day 4: Immediate Response
Our cries for help capture Jesus' attention and compel Him to respond. Just as Peter's cry for help was immediately answered by Jesus, our desperate pleas draw out His compassion, love, and authority. This assurance encourages us to cry out in our times of need, knowing that Jesus will respond without hesitation. The story of Peter walking on water illustrates the power of crying out to Jesus and His readiness to come to our aid.
When we cry out to Jesus, we can be confident that He hears us and is ready to help. This immediate response is a testament to His love and care for us. It is a reminder that we are never alone and that Jesus is always near, ready to lift us out of our troubles and bring us to a place of safety and peace. This assurance should encourage us to turn to Him in every situation, trusting that He will respond with compassion and authority. [05:53]
Matthew 14:30-31 (ESV): "But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed and in need of help. How did you respond? How can you turn to Jesus and trust in His immediate response in your current situation?
Day 5: Facing Reality
Many of us struggle to cry out due to pride, shame, or a reluctance to face our storms. Bottling up emotions can lead to prolonged suffering and hinder our healing. By crying out to Jesus, we confront our reality and invite His healing presence into our lives, allowing us to find true peace and comfort. Facing our reality is an essential step in our spiritual journey, as it allows us to address our struggles and seek God's help.
Crying out to Jesus requires us to be honest with ourselves and with God about our pain and struggles. It is an act of vulnerability that opens the door to healing and transformation. By facing our reality and crying out to Jesus, we allow His love and grace to enter our lives, bringing healing and restoration. This act of honesty and vulnerability is a powerful way to experience God's presence and find true peace. [09:31]
Psalm 62:8 (ESV): "Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us."
Reflection: What emotions or struggles have you been bottling up? How can you confront your reality and invite Jesus' healing presence into your life today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If you cry out to God in desperation with a sense of urgency Jesus will respond and your needs will be completely satisfied ten things I Want to tell you quickly this morning What crying out will do for you and I'm going to go through these quickly Number one when you cry out to God you are acknowledging your dependence on him and your need for his help." [01:23] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Crying out to Jesus is a sign of trust in him. It is an expression of your faith in your belief that he's able to do the impossible people. Crying out to Jesus is a way to find peace and comfort in the midst of the storm." [02:47] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Crying out to Jesus is an act of humility. When you cry out to Jesus you are humbling yourself before him and acknowledging that you cannot do it all on your own. Crying out to Jesus is an act of worship. You are acknowledging his power and sovereignty over your life and it helps to draw you closer to him and experience his presence in a deeper world." [04:10] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Crying out to Jesus provokes him to respond. It moves him to respond. Your cry for help, your sense of hunger and that desperate need captures his attention and compels Christ to respond. He cannot ignore your desperate need. It draws out his compassion. It draws out his love. It draws out his authority and his might. And when you cry out to Jesus, you place a demand on him and you will always get a response." [05:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Many of you are sitting and listening to me this morning are in the middle of your storm. You are in the thick your night. You are in the fourth watch in the middle of your battle. You are facing lack. You are facing problems at work, problems in the marriage, family storms, children's storms, parents' storms. You have sickness ravishing your body. You are facing death, loneliness, failure, and all kinds of emotional storms." [10:57] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Peter walked on the water for a little bit But got distracted by the winds and the waves and the unstable nets of the water and he took his eyes off of Jesus And because he took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink You see Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and when he took his eyes He noticed his storm when he took his eyes off of Jesus He noticed his problems when he took his eyes off of Jesus He noticed his circumstance and he began to cry out master save me master. I need you master. I can't do this this alone. Master, I'm drowning. And the Bible says without hesitation, Jesus responded." [04:10] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "For those of you who don't cry out to the Lord, when you're going through storms, you keep things bottled up inside. You let things fester and grow. You refuse to allow the Lord to come into your situation. You refuse to invite the Lord in. You reason in your mind that you are his child and that he already knows what you're going through. So you stay bound up and angry, wounded up and depressed, and even oppressed by your situation." [05:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It took your pastor three years before I cried out about my mother's death. I was told to be strong, to be tough. You are a leader now. You are walking in her shoe. Don't let anyone see your weakness and so forth. And by the time that grief hit me three years later, I almost died from the pain of the loss. I walked in denial. I walked in denial. I walked in denial for three years. Mom is not dead. She is just on a long vacation. I told myself for three years and I continued to function with that mindset." [07:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I refused to cry out to Jesus and said, Jesus, help me. I am drowning. I'm in this situation by myself. I have no more mother. I have no more best friend. I feel lost to Jesus. This is unfair. I refuse to allow Jesus the opportunity to respond to my cry. You see, Peter did the wrong thing by taking his eyes off of Jesus. But folks, Peter did the right thing when he cried, Master. Peter did the right thing when he cried, Master. Save me." [09:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And without hesitation, the one who has authority over your situation and without hesitation, the one who will conquer your storm without hesitation, the one who controls the winds and the waves will stretch out his hand and respond to you just as he caught Peter and lifted him out of the water. Just as he lifted Peter out of his despair, he will lift you up and he will cause you to walk on top of your problems. He will cause you to walk on top of your turbulent circumstance. He will cause you to walk on top of your storms." [12:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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