Swallowed Up
Jonah certainly had reason to praise God. Who could imagine a more impossible predicament than being swallowed by a giant sea creature? Instead of panicking, Jonah turned to God for help.
There are numerous problems in life that “swallow” people. Often the problem is so great that the troubled person even destroys his or her own life. These common happenings tell us that human nature alone isn’t strong enough for battles of life. We need God’s help.
Like Jonah, we give ourselves up to God once we admit we are weak. He is able to help us with every problem we encounter; don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Jonah begged for your help…
From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God: When I was in trouble, LORD, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer. You threw me down to the bottom of the sea. The water was churning all around; I was completely covered by your mighty waves. I thought I was swept away from your sight, never again to see your holy temple. I was almost drowned by the swirling waters that surrounded me. Seaweed had wrapped around my head. I had sunk down below the underwater mountains; I knew that forever, I would be a prisoner there. But, you, LORD God, rescued me from that pit. When my life was slipping away, I remembered you– and in your holy temple you heard my prayer.
All who worship worthless idols turn from the God who offers them mercy. But with shouts of praise, I will offer a sacrifice to you, my LORD. I will keep my promise, because you are the one with power to save.
The LORD commanded the fish to vomit up Jonah on the shore. And it did.
