Hitting Rock Bottom in the Belly of a Whale

O. T. #2164  "Hitting Rock Bottom in the Belly of a Whale"

April 5, 2022

Jonah 2-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Can you imagine what a stinky, icky, and yucky place it was for Jonah, the belly of the whale? To me, fish are stinky, but to fishermen, they smell like money. It was icky because it was dark down there. It was yucky since it was wet and sticky, with seaweed wrapped around Jonah.

And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and He heard me: out of the belly of hell cried I, and Thou heardest my voice. (verse 2)

When did Jonah pray?

We don't know how long it took before Jonah prayed to God, we just know he was inside the whale for 3 days and 3 nights. It was when he was in trouble that Jonah prayed. He was finally humbled and his heart softened, between distress and danger of dying, between fear and hope.

Where did Jonah pray?

It was in his dark dungeon with no way out, except God rescuing him. Also, it was in the bottom of the sea that Jonah looked up. He had hit rock bottom, sinking deeper, and that is what it takes before some people call upon the Lord. Ultimately, it was God who put Jonah there, God who sent a whale to rescue him, and the mercy of God that threw him upon the shore, back where Jonah started from.

To whom did Jonah pray?

It was to the Lord God that Jonah had run from, to the One he was avoiding, the One who controlled the fish, the waves, and the sea.

What was Jonah's prayer?

Jonah was expressing hope in a hopeless situation, depending upon God being God. He recognized that Jehovah was in His holy Temple. That is where Jonah would find divine mercy and restoration. (verse 4, 7) Only God could deliver him. Jonah acknowledged that Salvation is of the LORD. (verse 9)

LET IT GROW

What does it take for us to pray to God? Does He have to cause us to hit rock bottom? When there is no other way out? Have you realized that only in the Lord Jesus is salvation and eternal life found? 

LET IT GO

There is going to be some brighter days.

Jesus, You are our hope, our love, our faith.

Keep us looking to You, looking up.