Devotion 2: Jonah’s Prayer

Jeannie Yates

In Jonah chapter two, we find the prophet knee-deep in the guts of a big fish, who knows where in the ocean, crying out to God. Of course, he cries out to God—wouldn’t you?! Even people who don’t actually believe or follow God call on Him when they find themselves in great trouble or distress, especially when they’re thrown overboard and swallowed by a gigantic fish!

Take a moment to read Jonah’s prayer: “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying, ‘I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your breakers and your waves passed over me. Then I said, ‘I am driven away from your sight; yet I shall again look upon your holy temple.’ The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head at the roots of the mountains. I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love. But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!’” Jonah 2:1-9

This isn’t just a random prayer to an unknown divine creature in the sky. In this prayer, we see by Jonah’s declarations that he is calling out to the one true God, whom he knows and trusts. Pastor Steven Lee points out three themes in this passage. Even in the depths of the sea, Jonah knows that God still listens, God still reigns, and God still delivers. (“Mercy at the Bottom” www.desiringgod.org.)

Throughout Scripture, we see God reminding us that He hears us and draws near when we call on Him. In Jeremiah 33:3, God says, “Call to me and I will answer you.” And Psalm 145:18 reminds us that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” Jonah knew that even though he disobeyed, God would still hear him. We see another example of this in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The rebellious son eventually finds himself in a pig pen, digging for scraps, when he humbles himself and seeks mercy from the Father that he knows will listen (Luke 15:11-32).

Jonah knew the storm wasn’t an accident. His trip overboard was not the fault of the sailors; he knew that God was in control of it all. Even in the middle of the darkness and fear, he had faith in the One who holds it all. Jonah was engulfed in darkness and disgust, and called on the God who “is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).

Psalm 34:17 reminds us, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” No matter what you’re facing or how stinky of a mess you have put yourself in, remember that God hears you. God is still in control. Your troubles don’t surprise Him. God will deliver. Pastor Lee challenges us, “Wherever you are and whatever obedience you’re currently resisting, run to God in prayer. Be persistent in prayer, knowing your God is even more persistent in mercy.”