Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada and welcome today to "Joni and Friends." You know what? A really appreciate the time you decide to spend with because I always have a story, always have some special insight from God's Word I want to share. Like an insight I learned from my friend, Jim, who lives in Colorado.
Jim often has to leave his three little boys when he flies away on business. On a recent trip as the family drove together to the airport, Jim’s 7-year-old gladly took last-minute instructions on how to help Mommy for the week that Daddy would be away. The 5-year-old bravely tucked in his chin and promised he would do his chores. But then as they turned into the driveway to the Colorado Springs airport, Jim’s 2-year-old up until that point was all smiles and jabbering and then, he spotted an airplane on the runway. Suddenly, he was sobbing and wailing and reaching for his daddy in the front seat.
Jim told me later on that it almost tore his heart out. He almost cancelled the trip right then, he just kept hugging his 2-year-old. As he was sharing this, I saw his eyes begin to get wet, and I could not help but think, “If the cries of his child reach Jim’s heart like that, how much more must our tears move our heavenly Father!” Isn’t that the truth! Nothing, nothing grips God's heart like the tortured cry of one of His children.
Just watch what takes place in Psalm 18 after David the psalmist says that he cried to his God for His help. David’s heartfelt plea reached God's throne and just watch what happens. It says, “From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled, it quaked and the foundations of the mountains shook… God parted the heavens and came down; He mounted the cherubim and flew; He soared on the wings of the wind; He reached down and took hold of me.”
Wow, that’s just in one Psalm. But right there it’s clear that our cry and our questions move the Almighty in such a powerful way. He parts the heavens to respond to you. He reaches down to help you. And you know what? He doesn’t do it in an invisible… no, Jesus Christ is God's way of taking hold of you. When we cry out, God promises we’ll find Jesus. And it’s a good thing because Jesus experienced questions and heartfelt pain like no human ever has. He did not succumb to despair when He looked at His cross. He moved in the direction of His Father and aimed His cries toward heaven. In fact, Jesus even chose the words of a Psalm. Psalm 22 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And you better believe that God the Father moved heaven and earth to help His Son, because three days later, He raised Jesus from the dead – and if He can do that, He can raise your hopes today, friend; He can raise your spirits.
So, learn a lesson from the Psalms today and from my Colorado friend, Jim, and his little boys, because your pain stirs the heart of your Father in heaven like nothing else. By the way, I shared this story about Jim in a booklet I wrote entitled “Anger Aimed in the Right Direction.” I offered it earlier this week, and I’d love to send you a free copy today – just visit joniandfriendsradio.org and ask for “Anger Aimed in the Right Direction,” or you can dial 888-522-5664 and just share that little booklet with a friend who’s struggling with painful questions, because remember, God hears your cry. Your hurt stirs the heart of your heavenly Father like nothing else. Until next time, thanks for aiming your anger in the right direction and thanks for listening to "Joni and Friends."
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