The Life of Jonahಮಾದರಿ

Yesterday we read that Jonah tried to run as far away from God’s plan as he could possibly get. It didn’t work - the frightened crew threw Jonah overboard, and he was swallowed by a giant fish. The fish swam down to the bottom of the sea, sending Jonah to a literal and figurative rock bottom.

Have you ever hit rock bottom? You probably haven’t been swallowed by a fish, but maybe you’ve felt the weight of the world pressing down on you. What would your reaction be if you were suddenly in Jonah’s sandals? When it looked like things couldn’t get any worse, Jonah’s impulse was to pray.

Now that he is in the belly of the fish, Jonah can’t run or hide anymore. His only option is to cry out to God. When Jonah prays, he tells God what God already knows: he is in the depths, in distress, the waves sweeping over him.

Yet chapter 2 verse 6 and verse 9 are a contrast to chapter 1 verse 16: Jonah is in the very depths of the sea, but he recognizes that God has already brought him out of the pit. Nothing has changed in his circumstances, but he has hope because he knows the character of God. As we’ve seen, God’s character is love for all people, everywhere, even the ones at the bottom of the sea.

If you feel overwhelmed, afraid, or worried, remember the God of heaven, who made the sea and dry land. Remember the God whose plan is for all mankind. Remember that he loves you and sent his Son Jesus to redeem you. Remember who God is, and have hope!