“Lord, I come, I confess, bowing down, I find my rest. Without You, I fall apart. You’re the one who guides my heart. Lord, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour I need You. My one defense, my righteousness. Oh God, how I need you” (Matt Mahar). As one of my favorite worship songs, it never fails to remind me of my need for God every day, every hour.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, pulled in different directions and not knowing what to do — at least what to do first. I’m fine with having obligations, I just need to stop and find rest in the Lord. I need the peace that only He can give.
We may think that as Christians, we should not find ourselves overwhelmed, depressed or even distressed. We may think we should always be happy and upbeat, never down and out. This is simply not true! In the book of James, we read: “Elijah was a man just like us…” (James 5:17 NIV1984). Elijah was a great prophet of God. In II Kings 17-19, we see that at times he was bold and brave when confronting wicked King Ahab. At other times, however, we read that fear sent him into hiding. Depression made him feel useless and alone. God never rebuked him or gave up on him for his lack of faith. Instead, with a gentle whisper, He restored his faith and sent him on a final mission. Elijah was then taken up into Heaven in a whirlwind, his purpose on earth completed. He needed God, and God was there for him.
David, a man after God’s own heart — experienced fear, depression, and distress just like we do. “I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16-17). David understood that he, too, needed God every hour of every day.
The prophet Jeremiah, the voice of God to a wicked and rebellious nation, experienced fear and hatred from God’s people. When he called out to God, he was reminded that God was with him during his darkest trials. While his soul was downcast within him, he said, “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him’” (Lam. 3:21-24).He needed God, and God was there for him.
The Apostle Paul cried out to God to remove the “thorn in his flesh.” He had a need, and God answered him even though He did not remove the “thorn.” Instead, He said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Cor. 12:9). God always knows what is best for us when He responds to our needs.
When I cry out, “Lord, I need you,” these words come to mind: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). If I am overly concerned about a matter, Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
My conclusion? “To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill… I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” (Psalm 3:4-5).
