In the biblical narrative, the theme of calling upon God during times of affliction is a recurring motif that underscores the relationship between human suffering and divine intervention. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts where individuals, in their distress, cry out to God and receive answers to their prayers. This entry explores the biblical basis for this theme, highlighting key passages and examples.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently portrays God as a refuge and strength for those in distress. Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me." This verse encapsulates the promise of divine deliverance in response to earnest prayer during times of trouble. The assurance of God's responsiveness to the cries of the afflicted is a testament to His compassionate nature and His willingness to intervene in human affairs.

Examples from Scripture

1. Hannah's Prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-20): Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness and the taunts of her rival, Peninnah, pours out her soul before the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Her heartfelt prayer and vow to dedicate her child to God result in the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Hannah's experience illustrates how God hears and answers the prayers of those who call upon Him in their affliction.

2. David's Cries for Help (Psalms): King David frequently found himself in dire situations, whether pursued by enemies or facing personal turmoil. In Psalm 34:17 , David declares, "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles." David's life is a testament to the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in delivering those who seek Him earnestly.

3. Jehoshaphat's Plea (2 Chronicles 20:1-30): When faced with a formidable coalition of enemies, King Jehoshaphat turns to God in prayer, acknowledging his own powerlessness and seeking divine intervention. The Lord responds by assuring victory without the need for battle, demonstrating His ability to deliver His people when they call upon Him in faith.

4. Jonah's Prayer from the Depths (Jonah 2:1-10): From the belly of the great fish, Jonah cries out to God in his distress. His prayer, marked by repentance and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, results in his deliverance. Jonah's experience underscores the reach of God's mercy, even in the most desperate circumstances.

5. Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:25-34): While imprisoned in Philippi, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns to God. Their prayers are answered with a miraculous earthquake that opens the prison doors, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his household. This account highlights the power of prayer to bring about not only physical deliverance but also spiritual transformation.

Theological Implications

The biblical accounts of answered prayers during affliction reveal several theological truths. First, they affirm God's omnipresence and His attentiveness to the cries of His people. Second, they demonstrate that God is both willing and able to intervene in human circumstances, providing deliverance and relief. Third, these narratives encourage believers to maintain faith and perseverance in prayer, trusting in God's timing and wisdom.

Conclusion

The theme of calling upon God under affliction and receiving answers to prayer is a profound aspect of the biblical witness. It serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers, affirming that God is a present help in times of trouble and that He responds to the earnest prayers of His people.Psalm 18:6
In my distress I called on the LORD, and cried to my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 106:44
Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:19,20
For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: you shall weep no more: he will be very gracious to you at the voice of your cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
... so great as those which we have already received if we ... Our praises are not suspended
upon his answers to our ... necessity, draw nigh to God in prayer, but always ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/prayer perfumed with praise.htm

Prayer and Trouble (Continued)
... But, thanks be to Him, I have received many delightful and helpful answers during
the ... Just as prayer is wide in its range, taking in everything, so ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vi prayer and trouble continued.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments (Continued)
... significance in the great fact that God hears and answers prayer. ... And see how much
more he received than that for ... will see how great a place prayer occupied in ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/ii praying saints of the.htm

Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge.
... man, one that feareth God." And Satan answers on this ... use of the Word of God and
prayer, that Christians ... 29. The Galatians had received from Paul the wisdom of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty fourth sunday after trinity.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... When the call came for those desiring prayers, I ... speaker said at one meeting, "God
answers prayer in temporal ... in large quantities were received, thus verifying ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... Augustin answers as well as he can, and reproves the ... Her prayer for thee is, that
thou also mayest be ... which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
... Be pleased to do so.' About half an hour afterwards I received L230 15s. "The
joy which such answers to prayer afford, cannot be described. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/the hearts desire given to.htm

Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work.
... a subject of prayer, but to expect answers to their ... moment I was alone, after I had
received the money ... fellow-labourers again this evening for prayer and praise ...
/.../muller/answers to prayer/chapter i beginning and early.htm

Constant, Instant, Expectant
... When you received the assurance of salvation, was it not in answer to prayer? ... If
some people looked out for answers to prayer they might soon have them, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/constant instant expectant.htm

Acts X
... encouraging him to pray on, actually answers his prayer ... a matter of course, that
they received the Holy ... fact that it was bestowed without prayer or imposition ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts x.htm

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