It has been more than a year since we have moved out of the Covid pandemic and resumed some normalcy in our worship, Bible classes and fellowship with one another. As with any disease or injuries, the church has also not been spared from after-effects and scars from the pandemic. We have members who had been hurting silently as we were away physically from each other, we have members who drifted away from the Lord, and we have members who became or remained nonchalant. On the flip side, we have also seen members who have grown stronger and closer to the Lord from these challenges.
In our lives, there will be times when we get discouraged, coupled with utter disappointment and despair as a result of challenges, trials, sickness, situations, and people. These low moments may be one of the loneliest experiences. For example, it’s difficult for someone to empathise and comfort another who has undergone an organ transplant as he has not been in such a situation before. It would also be difficult to empathise with the tremendous pressure and stress of an only child being a caregiver to ailing parents if you aren’t in a similar situation. Staying in such low moments is damaging emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually. Thankfully, God does not leave us alone in these moments.
The hymn “Hear Me When I Call” (Hymn 215 in Praise for the Lord), is one of my favourites and is an encouraging and comforting hymn. It was written by Tillit S. Teddlie in 1962. Teddlie wrote several hymns in his lifetime with many in our hymn book Praise for the Lord (Hymns 39, 215, 225, 316, 340, 469, 495, 511, 699, 744, 764, 782). According to historical records, Teddlie was a member of the Lord’s church and served as a full-time minister. He was 77 years old when he composed “Hear Me When I Call”. In reading through the lyrics of the hymn, at such an old age, he would have experienced challenges and understood how God understands and cares. Teddlie lived a long life of 102 years.
“Hear Me When I Call” was inspired from Psalm 4:1 which reads:
“To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.”
The hymn reminds us that we can go pleading to God in prayers in the following situations:
When we are weak, helpless and in distress.
When we are in doubt and our faith grows weak.
When we are in sin and need God’s mercy and grace.
When we are lonely.
1. When we are weak, helpless and in distress
The trials and tribulations which the apostle Paul faced are simply beyond our imagination. I am sure he would have felt weak and helpless at times. Yet he never gave up despite being rejected by men. He pressed on, knowing that he would receive the reward of his labour. Paul drew strength in Christ (Philippians 4:13) and prayed when he was in distress (Philippians 1:19). He trusted in God and desired the prayers of brethren (2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; Romans 15:30-31).
2. When we are in doubt and our faith grows weak
We recall the story of Jesus sleeping in the ship and when a great storm came such that the ship was covered with waves, His disciples came to him and woke Him, requesting to be saved (Matthew 8:24-25). Jesus asked them why they were fearful and commented that they were of little faith (Matthew 8:26). Storms in our lives help us recognise when we are in doubt and have our faith growing weak. Let us learn from the disciples and take active steps to turn to God and Jesus. Cry out to the Lord. He will help us.
3. When we are in sin and need God’s mercy and grace
We all sin from time to time, disappointing and failing our Lord. King David was no exception even though he was a “man after God’s own heart”. Yet, in his penitence and sorrow, he cried out to God (Psalm 51:1-3). Thus, we are also able to cry out to God for His mercy, grace and forgiveness of our sins. Notwithstanding, we must not just have godly sorrow, we must like king David, be penitent and repent. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
4. When we are lonely
There are times when we are afflicted and lonely. The sense of helplessness and that no one can help us is real. In such a time, David turned to God. He cried out to the Lord “Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted” (Psalm 25:16). Talking to God will allow us to feel and be close to God. This gives great comfort, knowing that you have cast your cares on God, and that He cares (1 Peter 5:7). God does not provide lip service but He does what He says He will do. When Jesus told His disciples “…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20), it is certain that it will be so. We can also be certain and be comforted by Jesus even in the loneliest of times.
The silent hurt amongst members and the silent cry within members are real. It is also real that God hears us when we call. God hears our cries, our voice and our prayers. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14)