Facing Persistent Problems and Crying Out to God

Facing Persistent Problems and Crying Out to God

Date: November 6, 2026

Series: The View From Above (Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life)

Author: Pastor Paul Stephens

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I’m still crying… Crying out to God that is; Why? Because problems persist and I am as desperate today as I was yesterday. It doesn’t mean that God isn’t listening or answering my cry… It just means, well it means that problems can persist. They have a shelf life and they can even grow.

All the while my crying out to God is bearing fruit. I am comforted, I know that God is in control and this moment is a big learning curve for me and for you as well. It’s the trials we endure and it’s the problems that we have to work through that provide us opportunities to grow our faith, develop a greater trust and confidence in God and become stronger in our resolve to serve God no matter what the problems may be or how insurmountable they can appear.

[James 1:2-4]

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Problems and trials shouldn’t discourage us, they test us and they develop spiritual maturity. Crying out to God takes the burden that we are carrying and invites Jesus to share the burden and help us carry the load.

[1 Peter 5:7]

“…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

It’s an opportunity to grow in wisdom so that we can help others and not fall into the same traps that cause the problems. That is why crying is so vital and necessary… crying out to God that is. This is my prayer today;

[Psalms 57:1-3]

“Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. I will cry out to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who would swallow me up. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth.”

I think you know what I mean. This type of crying may or may not involve real tears. It doesn’t have to in order to get God’s attention. When your children are crying because something is distressing them, it gets your attention. The same is true with us when we cry out to God.

[Psalms 18:6]

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”

So, perhaps today a little crying is in order, crying out to God, and if you do so, you’ll be joining me.