Dive Deeper Into the Book of Jonahናሙና

The sailors reluctantly threw Jonah into the raging sea. The wild storm calmed down, but Jonah’s life was in danger. Tossed around by the waves and fighting to stay alive, Jonah cried out to God for help. God did not send a boat to rescue him. He delivered Jonah in an unusual way, by sending a fish to swallow him.

The belly of a fish may seem like a bleak and grim place to spend three days and nights, but Jonah did not focus on his strange and smelly surroundings. Instead of worrying or complaining about being holed up in the dark insides of an animal, He thanked God for keeping him alive. Jonah thought he deserved death for his blatant disobedience to God’s command. But God did not give Jonah what he deserved. Jonah recognized the vastness of God’s mercy toward him and sang songs of praise. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness emboldened Jonah to trust God with what lay ahead.

We too can trust God to rescue us from circumstances that seem hopeless. We may not be able to envision a way out of a desperate and lonely place, but we can be confident that God, our Helper, will not fail us. His deliverance may come in peculiar ways and at an unexpected time. 

Let’s remember God’s faithfulness when we face trials and believe that He will help us.

Reflection

Are you struggling to find a solution to a problem you’re facing right now? How can you ask God to help you?

What Scriptures from the Bible can you recall that assure you of God’s faithfulness and mercy toward you?

Action

Recall a situation in your past when you experienced God’s help. Spend a few minutes praising God for rescuing you.