I just learned this week the euphemism for “For Christ’s Sake!” is “For Crying Out Loud!” I have said “for crying out loud” many times in my desperation and exasperation, but had no idea I was invoking the name, power, and expectations of my Lord and Savior. It caused me to think about those who consciously called on the Name of the Lord and were saved. My first thought was of David the shepherd boy who would be King of Israel.
As a tender of sheep, David cried unto God to save him and his family’s welfare from marauding lions. David, the young warrior, would invoke his Savior’s name to defeat giants. As the spiritual, military, and political leader of Israel, he cried out loud the name of the Most High to overcome evil enemy kings. (Pause for Thought: “I cry out to God Most High, To God, who vindicates me. He sends from Heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me—God sends forth His love and His faithfulness.” Psalms 57:2-3. David wrote this as King Saul pursued his life into a cave. David had this sung to a tune called, “Do Not Destroy”. Have you ever cried out loud to God, “Lord Save Me!”? If so what was the result? Why don’t people call on the name of the Lord in their initial distress?)
Based on the many times David cried out to God for salvation, and based on the different Hebrew words used for “cry out”, David was vocal in his pleas—some were murmurs and some were shrieks from terror. (Pause for Thought: “In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried out (shava=high pitched shout for help) to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry (shava) came before Him, even to His ears.” Psalm 18:6; “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry (shava).” Psalm 34:15. Why does a vocal response to our danger invoke such power from God? Have you been vocal in your distress in front of your children? Who or what have you called upon to save you?)
I’ve read and heard how the name of Jesus has stopped gunmen in their tracks, stalled the motors of machinery poised to do damage, and even thwarted kidnappers and carjackers. David is proof of how a life lived consciously in the presence of our Lord and Savior can manifest that presence by crying out loud for rescue. Unfortunately for David, he did not pass this beautiful truth and skill on to his daughter, Tamar. (Pause for Thought: Read II Samuel 13:1-22. During her pleading with Amnon, why, do you suppose, Tamar didn’t voice out a cry for help to God? Based on what we know concerning David’s crying out, what could have been the results of Tamar’s crying out to God?)
As parents, we tell our children, “I’ll always be there for you” and, “I’ll never let anything happen to you” all in front of a backdrop of Stranger-Danger, ALICE training, and JUST SAY NO. Are the promises we’re making true? (Pause for Thought: As it concerns the privilege of voicing our cry to ABBA FATHER, what can you tell and teach your children about danger and alertness? Are you willing to practice crying out to the Lord with them this week? What fear is stopping you from crying out or teaching your children to do so?)
