Today's Verse: Jonah 2:1-2

Thursday, February 2, 1956

From inside the fish Jonah prayed ... "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
— Jonah 2:1-2
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Jonah was disobedient, rebellious, selfish, and racist. He had run from the Lord rather than seeing his hated enemies spared by God when they repented. He had shunned the Lord's command and commission to preach a saving message and call to repentance to the people of Nineveh whom he hated. He had endangered the lives of those on the ship where he had tried to hide and run away. Yet even in the middle of his rebellion, God heard his cry and delivered him. If you are in rebellion, in hiding because of some secret sin, or in shame for not answering the call of God in your life, please know this: The Lord wants to ransom, redeem, and reclaim you for your good, his glory, and others' salvation! Returning to the Lord means deliverance. He is longing to welcome you on your return. And as Jonah's life shows, your salvation is a blessing for you and all those God can reach through you!

My Prayer...

Holy and righteous Father, please forgive me for the times that I have been in rebellion to your will. Please help me recognize those times and give me the strength to avoid those temptations. In your grace, dear Father, please help me live as you want me to live and lead me to someone else who needs to know of your grace and redemption. Please use me to help them escape from their bondage to sin and shame. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Rescue!
Illustration of Jonah 2:1-2
Inspirational illustration of Jonah 2:1-2 -- From inside the fish Jonah prayed... "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
Praise from the Pit
Article by Stacy Voss
I don't like Jonah, but I do like this! Stacy Voss reminds us of the story of Jonah and how Jonah praised God from the pit, from the belly of the beast, the fish.

Illustration

Illustration of Jonah 2:1-2 — From inside the fish Jonah prayed ... "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, February 2, 1956

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: John 15:4
"Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close fellowship...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Lying to God' (Acts 5:1-9)
"But there was a certain man named Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira, sold some property. He brought part of the money to the apostles, claiming it..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Loose Women Are Dangerous Traps' (Pr. 23:27-28)
"A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well. She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Beyond Place and Through the Jews' (Jn. 4:21-22)
"[When the woman at Jacob's well asked about the correct place to worship,] Jesus replied, "Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no...."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse