January 28
A Cry
in the Dark
“When I was in trouble, I called out to the Lord. I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. My cry for help reached his ears.”
Psalm 18:6 (NIrV)
Harold sat alone in the small house he had shared with Eleanor for 55 years. The walls seemed to echo her absence. Her favorite rocking chair sat empty in the corner, and the scent of lavender—her signature—still lingered faintly in the air.
Since Eleanor’s passing three weeks ago, Harold felt like he was drowning in sorrow. Every memory of her was a double-edged sword, bringing both comfort and pain. The silence of the house, once a cozy stillness they shared together, now felt suffocating.
One evening, Harold shuffled to their bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed. “God,” he whispered, his voice breaking, “why did You take her? How am I supposed to go on without her? I don’t know how to do this. I’m so alone.”
He looked at the Bible Eleanor always kept on her nightstand. Hesitating, Harold opened it to a page that had been bookmarked, landing on Psalm 18:6. The words jumped out at him: “When I was in trouble, I called out to the Lord. I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice. My cry for help reached his ears.”
Harold closed his eyes and allowed himself to truly cry. For the first time, he poured out every ounce of pain, confusion, and loneliness to God. “Lord, I’m calling to You. I need You to hear me. Please, just help me get through this.”
As the days went on, Harold began to notice little signs of God’s comfort. A neighbor dropped by with a casserole and stayed to share stories about Eleanor. A friend from church called to invite him to a men’s breakfast, and Harold decided to go, even though he didn’t feel like it. Slowly, he began to feel less alone.
One morning, Harold sat in his favorite chair, looking at a picture of Eleanor. “I still miss her, Lord,” he said quietly, “but I know You’re here with me. Thank You for hearing me when I cried out.”
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for hearing us when we cry out in our darkest moments.
Just as You comforted Harold in his time of loss, remind us that You are always near, even when we feel most alone.
Help us to bring our pain and struggles to You, trusting that You will provide peace and hope in the midst of our sorrow.
Teach us to lean on You, knowing that Your love and presence will carry us through.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
