Rock Bottom

“He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.” (Psalm 102:17)

There is a slogan that goes like this: “Rock Bottom—you’ll know it when you get there.” Are you at rock bottom?

Hitting bottom is never a soft landing. At this point some of you might be thinking, “Bottom would be a vast improvement!” You’re looking up at the bottom. Your circumstance is known as “destitution.” Take courage; there is great blessing to be found at rock bottom.

It is only natural to forget that rock bottom is a place of answered prayer when we are afflicted. In his own destitution, the Psalmist cried, “He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.” (Psalm 102:17)

Whoa! You mean God's not mad at me? These things aren't happening because God is against me? This isn't payback for some sin I committed? God actually wants to bless me? That's right.

When we find ourselves in crushing circumstances and see no way out, it is difficult to believe that God wants to show Himself strong on our behalf. Instead of crying out to God in prayer, however, we give up and accept defeat. But resignation is not the response God is looking for.

The “prayer of the destitute” often ascends as a faint whisper—our prayers don’t seem very powerful to us when we are at rock bottom. Without conditions, the psalmist puts the onus on God during rock bottom times—"He will regard the prayer of the destitute," he writes. He doesn’t adjectivize ‘prayer’ in this sentence. Not powerful prayer, not loud prayer, not joyful prayer, not triumphant prayer—a whimper will do!

If you are at rock bottom, don’t give up five minutes before your miracle happens! You are on the verge of a miracle! Don’t look down; look up—past the bottom. Realize that a loving Father is leaning toward you, His ear tuned for your faintest prayer.