For years, my daughter and I have disagreed over the iconic scene in Titanic where Jack and Rose were in the water after the vessel sank. My daughter bristles at Rose’s thoughtlessness. “Mom, how could she not move on the door just a little to make room for Jack?!” I’ve argued that they would have both sank if he climbed on. We cheered as the star-crossed lovers survived the vessel’s sinking. Then, we waited in breathless hope as Jack and Rose floated in the frozen ocean waiting for rescue boats to save them from the frigid waters. Yet, as the night grew colder and ice crystals formed in Rose’s hair, she clung to that salvaged door and continued to wait.
There are times when we all feel like Rose. All of us watch various ships going down in our lives and we feel like we’re helplessly adrift, clinging to a crudely salvaged, barely-there faith. Sure, we might be alive, but we’re not sure if we have enough strength to not drown in deep confusion, exhaustion, or grief. Like Rose, you might be searching the horizon for some sign that God will rescue you. Also like Rose, there may come a point at which you’re tempted to give up because all seems lost.
If that’s you, I’m glad that you’re here today.
In Psalm 69, King David shares a precious, simple, four-word prayer that you and I need in times like this:
Save me, O God…
Psalm 69:1
This little powerhouse prayer was written at an unknown time in King David’s life. Unfortunately, he had a lot of drama where this prayer could have applied, whether he was running for his life, dealing with his own sin, his sons’ rebellion, or his daughter’s sexual assault. David’s prayer continues as he uses the analogy that the “floodwaters are up to his neck.” Does that resonate with you? David is having a hard time so he’s not sugarcoating his situation, nor is David beating around the bush about what he needs.
Just four powerful, simple words: Save me, O God.
Try this little prayer out for yourself. Even if you don’t need it right now, tuck these four little words away for the future. Depending on how you grew up, those four little words may not feel like enough. You might be wondering if God will overlook a prayer that small or short.
God isn’t looking for eloquence or length when it comes to our prayers. Longer prayers don’t make you more spiritual. Likewise, fancy words don’t guarantee that you’re praying in faith. Prayer is prayer. So, David’s, “Save Me, O God” demonstrates two principles of what I call “good and gritty prayers”: short and honest. Keep that in mind the next time your desire to pray starts getting hijacked by a fear of praying. Go for short and honest and get that prayer out there to God!
God’s response to David’s “Save me, O God” prayer comes through the prophet Isaiah:
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, You will not drown.”
Isaiah 43:2
Stop and savor these words for a moment, especially if you’ve felt like Rose, clinging to your faith, but not sure for how much longer. Dear friend, God sees you right now. Not only that, but He is present with you in a posture of love, never condemnation. Even more, God promises that His help is on the way. However, He rescues in His sovereign way, not always ours. If you do call out “Save me, O God,” remember that God works differently than we do. Let’s put our confidence in trusting that God will save us, rather than get picky or panicky about how or when He will do it. If you need God’s help today, open your heart and mind wide and be willing to accept God’s help no matter the outcome.
You can be sure of this, God is with you in whatever you’re going through. Whether your rescue looks like repair, restoration, redemption, or eternal resurrection, God will be there every step of the way. That is His promise. So, how should you live in light of what God has declared as His truth?
Take a deep breath.
Remember God’s promises.
Do the next right thing.
Excerpts of today’s devotional were taken from Barb’s new book, Finding Jesus in the Psalms. By exploring six powerful messianic Psalms, readers will discover how the life of King David reveals the life of Jesus and the hope that we have in Christ.
Thank you for this word, especially the part that when God rescues us, it may not be the way we thought it would be. I pray that we would always recognize God’s saving power at work in our lives, and leave the details of that rescue to Him who knows all things and sees what we cannot.
Hi Judy, I’m glad that resonated with you – I have to remind myself pretty regularly that God doesn’t do things like I do. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with us today.
Thank you for this message I needed this great reminder!
P.S. Your daughters right, Jack TOTALLY could have gotten on that door with Rose! LOL!
Amada, I’m so glad that God sent this reminder to you today. And I’ll let my daughter know that you’re on her side 🙂
Thank you for sharing this apt message, Barb, and those four powerful, short words, “Save me, O God!”. They are a reminder to me that, in this current season of uncertainty and change, there is a mighty God who hears me and will lift me up when stress threatens to overwhelm me. I am already singing, “It is well with my soul!”
Sharon, at this very moment, “It is Well” is playing on my Spotify as I’m replying to you. What a powerful song and reminder to us. Thank you for stopping by and I definite resonate with your comment today.
Thank you for this message. Save me, Oh God! The simplicity in these four words says it all. I struggle what to say when I pray. This is so timely.
Madeline, God is so good! I love that He provided the encouragement in today’s devotional for you. Thank you for joining us on (in)courage today.
For it is one word on my tongue, in my heart, thinking all the time, “HELP”
Yes! You got it, Donna! Thank you for sharing your comment. God is near and He wants us to call out to Him and trust Him with our rescue.
Thank you for this. I’m going through something now and just can’t seem to put together words for a prayer, so this is very helpful! Blessings!
Dear Cheyla, thank you for joining us on (in)courage and sharing your comment. I love that God knew what you needed in order to connect with Him. We love you and God does, too!
Thank you for that word of encouragement! I’m going through the longest season of depression and anxiety ever. I’m 76 and exhausted. I love the Lord Jesus and call on Him early in the day and throughout the day. Please join me in prayer. The Lord bless you all!
Hi Donna! I’m so glad that God used today’s devotional to encourage your heart. Thank you for your testimony of calling on God all throughout your day – that’s so powerful! God sees you, He hears your prayers and He is near to you today.
Donna, I can so relate to depression and anxiety and your exhaustion. Im praying for you and paused to pray with you. One of my go to verses is Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded thee: Be strong and of a good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee, whithersoever thou goest.
And a quote I found a long time ago: Courage doesn’t always roar. It is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, I will try again tomorrow.
I hope you can see this reply, and know I care and so does God!! He hears, He cares, and He answers! Sending you a big feel better hug!
Donna,
Abba Father come near to Donna today. Take away her depression & anxiety & give her your peace & calm. Bring some laughter & happiness to her life. Give her wisdom & strength to endure this trial. AMEN!
Blessings 🙂
Barb what you wrote is so true. I was born were they have place you can go visit all about the Titanic were it was built. That was Belfast in Northern Ireland. It good to go see the History behind it. But sad to hear what happened and why it sank. It make me more think about Salvation glad I am saved. As you never know from the minute you get up to go bed at night will you see another day in God beautiful world. There are so many people don’t give God a second thought. They say they be ok. God loves me I get to heaven. I think about Salvation later. I have family who none of them expect me are saved along with my Husband. Even on my Dad’s side of the family and my Dad and my Sister’s and their family and My late Mums family. I just pray for them all live my life for Jesus in front of them all. As if you say anything they say keep all to yourself. Yes God is with you what ever you go through. As I have Dad who is 82. Very stubborn and contrary. You say things in love to help him. He thinks he knows best. When you tell him to help him. As you know because of his age he need to be told to know how to do it right he say don’t tell me what to do. I ok I doing it right. Then if go wrong. He say why didn’t you tell me. You say nicely I did tell you. He say no you didn’t or did you. Or just shake his head. But God told me to have patience with him. As the Devil would use when he like that to make it get to me. God said he not change until he get saved. Just keep praying for him. Living your life for me in front of him. I do his home help. It can be hard. But I know God gives me strength to do it for the Love of him and the Love of my Dad. Even though af time it not easy witt him. Isaiah 42 v 2 so true when I feel I drowning in deep water in those times. God will not let me as he is with me. Thank you Barb for today’s reading I needed it. I now live 86 miles away from Belfast were the Titanic was made in a town called Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh N.Ireland. Dawn Ferguson-Little keep you all incourage in my prayers xx
Hi Dawn, thank you for joining us on (in)courage today – especially all the way from Ireland. We’re so glad that you are a part of our community!
Dawn, I see your name so often on these comments at incourage. My heart goes out to you and I applaud all you are doing to live right and do right by all those you love. It sounds to me like you are a jewel of kindness and giving and compassion. I have a father-in-law who is 92 and though I do love him, he is hard man to like sometimes! But God is pleased when we show love and patience to those who sometimes don’t return it. Just keep shining as the bright light you are and you will look back with no regrets! Praise God we have Him to always help us through the rough and tough times. Blessings and prayers. Sweet Sister in Christ!
Such a great analogy Barb! I grew up in a Christian home, but still Mom and Dad were so very fearful and nervous over everything. That bled over into my adult life for so many long years. After years of praying, maturing my faith and trust, I am joyful in saying that I surrendered all my fear and anxiety to God. I lost many battles, and sure I will loose more on occasion, but I know God is in control and I refuse to let the enemy make me live in fear!! Praise God for His great love and protection! “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee “.
Hallelujah!!
Barb,
I love the prayers of David. They were simple honest words from a man after God’s heart. Lately I’ve been in a funk about work & life in general. This prayer will come in handy when the evil one tries to hand me “trash-lies about myself”.
I am reminded of the parable of the Pharisee & the Publican. Both went out one day to pray. The Pharisee talked long & used fancy words. The Publican just said “have mercy on me a sinner.” God loves our simple prayers.
Blessings 🙂