Jonah's Song

I cried out to you in my distress,

and you heard me, Lord;

feeling like I was in hell,

I called, and you answered.

You hurled me down,

into the very depths,

and the deep waters swallowed me,

the waves and currents dragged me under.

I felt abandoned,

far from your watchful eye.

But I turned to you nonetheless.

I was engulfed.

Surrounded.

Helpless to escape.

Entangled.

When I thought I was at the bottom,

I went deeper still.

Yet you found me there,

and began drawing me up.

When I stopped struggling

and trying to help myself,

I cast myself on you

and depended wholly on your strength,

and I felt your hand.

I don't know how the godless can manage

without the hope and help that is found in you.

I will sing a grateful song

and sacrifice to you.

Let my generosity express my praise,

for you alone are my salvation.

(based on Jonah 2:2-9; image from everystockphoto.com)