Cry Out

“So he began shouting, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ ‘Be quiet!’ the people in front yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:35-38)

Bartimaeus had a problem–he was blind. When Jesus came through town, Bartimaeus shouted out for help. When the crowd tried to hush him, he only cried out louder. Would he have received his healing if he had been silent? We don’t know for sure, but we do know that Jesus responded when Bartimaeus called out for help.

There’s a time to be quiet. Looking for a book in a library is a time to be quiet. Librarians have hushed many a noisy patron. However, if the library is on fire, we wouldn’t be quiet. If the library was on fire, we wouldn’t hesitate to shout out for help, but when our lives are “on fire,” we try to hide it and make sure no one sees our weakness or our vulnerability.

There are times when we are faced with situations requiring help. In those times, it’s important to speak up, shout it out if necessary, and get the help we need.

Here are three times when we may need to speak up and seek help:

• Speak up for our hearts. Many times, heart issues spring from wounds, abuse, or other deep-seated causes. Some examples: Anger that leads to words or actions that harm others; contempt for groups of people who differ from us by race, socioeconomic status, or religious beliefs; and persistent depression or anxiety. Any time we face heart issues we can’t handle on our own, it’s time to cry out for help.

• Speak up for our homes. Our families are so important to us, but often can be one of our greatest challenges. When a marriage is in trouble or children are headed down a dangerous path, don’t give up without crying out for help. If there’s one thing on earth worth fighting for, it’s our families.

• Speak up for our hope. When we feel desolate or hopeless on our journey, it’s time to cry out for help. If we feel alone, if we are struggling with our health, if we have lost a loved one—any time the road seems too hard to walk alone, reach out for help. We must not let the weight of our burdens cause us to fall instead of allowing others to help us shoulder the load.

So, how do we cry out for help? First, we cry out to God in prayer and worship. He is our rescuer and our most important resource. Psalm 34:6 says, “When I had nothing, desperate and defeated, I cried out to the Lord and he heard me, bringing his miracle-deliverance when I needed it most.”

Second, reach out to others. Find someone trustworthy—a friend, someone at your church, or a family member—and let them know the situation. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer…”

Third, when we have a serious need, we must seriously consider consulting a Christian counselor. Proverbs 19:20 says, “Listen well to wise counsel and be willing to learn…” Sometimes, a wise voice from outside our situations can make all the difference.

In times of trouble, don’t be silent. Speak up and cry out to find the help you need.

Dear Lord, in every situation and every need, I cry out to you for help. Your lovingkindness and great mercy are constantly with me. Lord, I know there may be times when I need to ask for help. Give me wisdom to recognize those times, and the courage and humility to ask for help. When I face problems in my heart, my family, or my journey, let me not be silent, but let me cry out until I find the help I need. In Jesus’s name, amen.