Slimy Pit to Rock

Jonah disobeyed God and did not go to Nineveh, rather he was running away to Tarshish. God did not want to take away his life but wanted to discipline him, because God disciplines the child whom he loves (Hebrews 12:6).

We also are being disciplined like Jonah once in a while when we need it. God looks at us with love when he disciplines us, but everyone misunderstands it as the wrath of God. God does not want us to be lost and gone away from Him forever. These times and experiences in our lives give opportunities for those who are not fond of us to mock us. King David faced the same humiliation (Psalm 39:8,9), he remained silent because he knew it was the hand of God and no justification can be given.

To come out of this situation cry out to God, wait patiently at His feet, do not give up your hope in God. Jonah was inside the belly of the fish, but he still hoped in God and prayed and prayed till God forgave him and delivered him. Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. (Jonah 1:17)

Psalm 40:2 says then “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” We see so many instances of this mentioned in The Holy Bible,
– And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Jonah 2:10
– I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven, and my sanity was restored to me. Daniel 4:34
– And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God. 2 Chronicles 33:13
– Prophet Nathan tells King David ‘The Lord has taken away your sin. You will not die.’ 2 Samuel 12:13

Not only will God put us on a Rock but also “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” Psalm 20:3. When we are forgiven and placed on Jesus The Rock, praise God so that others will also be benefited. Your testimony is an encouragement for some to trust in God and a warning for others to fear God.