Psalm 66:17

New International Version (NIV)

I cried out to him with my mouth;
his praise was on my tongue.

For meditation

He was in the sanctuary of the Methodist church, supposedly to worship God. It was the Lord’s Day in my hometown, and the Pastor was delivering the message. A pin drop could be heard by the deaf. Suddenly, a shout came from the middle row, “Atiko! Help me.” Apparently, one of the leg under the seat of this relative of mine had collapsed and he was about to fall. So, needing support, he cried out to this community god our people revered very much. Unbelievable, isn’t it? But that was my uncle-in-law crying out to the god of his local fetish in the church instead of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the church.

1. Isn’t it interesting when we consider the different names that people cry out to when they are in trouble? Does it not reveal the object of their worship?
2. But who is as awesome in power to save like “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13)? Who can be compared to Him?
3. Shouldn’t Jesus be the only one we cry out to when in trouble (Matt 14:30)? Is He not the only object of the Christian’s faith (Acts 4:12; Rm. 3:22; Eph. 2:8-9)?
4. Was it not David who wrote, “This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; He saved him out of all his troubles”(Psalm 34:6)? But, do even those who fill our churches today believe David’s testimony?
5. So, who will you call on when in financial distress; when your marriage is strained, or your children are leaning towards the world; when your future looks bleak and you need direction and wisdom?

I pray that only one name will shout in your mind and come out of your lips when your back is pushed against the wall and you cry out for deliverance – the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord!

May you radiate in His presence (Ps. 34: 5); and may those who fear God listen to your testimony (66:16-17) and be encouraged to wait on Him in Jesus (Is. 40:31).

Shalom