“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Credit for penning this Psalm goes to Moses when he and the Israelites wandered through the desert. This experience brought to light the brevity of life and to live well (wisely), a dependence on God is vital. Jonah finds himself in that same place, though not wandering, but stuck, trapped, with nowhere to go and he finally calls out to the Lord. Making his last words count as he engages the God who never left him in conversation using the truths of Scripture tucked into his heart.
Most of my ideas of what I imagine my last moments to be like are based on the media. Things I’ve read or seen depicted on screen. What will be the last words I say to those around me? I do not know, none of us do. Frank Sinatra’s last words are recorded as “I’m losing.” I must admit these words bring sadness to my heart as they lack hope for anything beyond this life. Famously, Nostradamus predicted the end was near as his last words were “Tomorrow, at sunrise, I shall no longer be here.” And entertainer Groucho Marx said, “Die my dear? Why that is the last thing I’d do” as he remained in utter denial.
The end will come and Jonah sensed that it was coming soon for him and used the opportunity to acknowledge God’s power, seek His presence, and praise Him for deliverance. Whether he got out of the belly or not, he knew the time there would end and that that decision belonged only to the Lord. He had comfort that he was being heard and that he wasn’t alone. Isn’t that what we all want? Not to be alone in our times of distress?
What hardship are you currently facing? Do you feel alone in it? Call out to the Lord and remember the Lord hears and “Salvation comes from the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).
Jessica Klootwyk
Discipleship Director