“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry entered His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, because He was angry” (2 Samuel 22:7-8).
These words were spoken by David as he recounts how God delivered him from the hand of Saul (1 Samuel 18:9-27:4), the rebellion of his son Absalom against him (2 Samuel 15:1-18:33), Sheba’s rebellion against him (2 Samuel 20:1-22) and from all his enemies. The above words were part of a song that David sang unto the Lord (2 Samuel 22:1). David was taking time to reflect upon how God has blessed him throughout his whole life and the trials he had faced.
David did not view God as some distant figure who was aloof from him during David’s times of distress. Instead, he describes God as being very attentive to David’s prayers unto Him and feeling strong passionate feelings for David. Although God was in His temple, He was very attentive to David’s cry which entered God’s ears.
When God heard about the distress David was facing, notice God’s reaction: “Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it” (2 Samuel 22:9). God then reacts quickly to come and deliver David from the distress he is under: “He bowed the heavens also, and came down with darkness under His feet. He rode upon a cherub, and flew; and He was seen upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness canopies around Him, Dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. From the brightness before Him Coals of fire were kindled. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice. He sent out arrows and scattered them; Lightning bolts, and He vanquished them. Then the channels of the sea were seen, the foundations of the world were uncovered, at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils. He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. (2 Samuel 22:10-20).
How do I view how God reacts to me when I cry unto him? Do I feel that when God hears my cries of distress unto Him, He procrastinates because He has too many other things to do? Do I feel that God is emotionally disconnected from the pains of my heart?
David did not view God as being distant and too busy to be concerned about Him. Instead, he viewed God as having feelings which were greatly stirred when He heard David crying out to Him for help! Understanding God has strong passionate feelings for me, gives me a better appreciation of the strong desires He felt to deliver me from my sins by rising up from His throne and sending His Son to go to the cross and bear the penalty of my sins (John 3:16). It also helps me to appreciate that when I am suffering God deeply cares for me (1 Peter 5:7).
I rejoice that God has strong emotional feelings for me. Today I will appreciate that His feelings for me were so strong He sent His Son to die for my sins! Praise God for His passionate love for me!
“…The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies (2 Samuel 22:2-4).