…they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.

Ps. 18:41 (ESV)

This verse is talking about David’s enemies. It comes at the end of Psalm 18. At the beginning of the psalm, David cries out for help and the Lord comes to save him. In fact, God goes “mama bear” and shakes heaven and earth to come and rescue the child in distress. The contrast in the responses begs the question, when does God respond to the cry for help?

The men of Judah cry out to the Lord, and God defeats the attacking army (2 Chron. 13:14-15).

God delights to show mercy. God didn’t even spare His own Son; how will He not also freely give us all things (Rom. 8:32)? There’s nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ (vs. 35).

It would seem the difference is who is crying. He loves His children.

(Though like Christ, we offer ourselves as a sacrifice so that others can receive that love.)

Thinking of crying out, picture Jesus sleeping in the boat while the disciples battle the storm. They cry out in distress, even with accusation and lacking faith. Jesus saves them. We can’t even imagine an outcome where Jesus’ response is, “I’m going to let you drown for that attitude.”

God delivers His children. Look to Him only. Cry out to Him and be saved.