New Found Courage

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community
Jonah 2:1-9

Jonah's Prayer
 ¹ From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. ² He said:
       "In my distress I called to the LORD,
       and he answered me.
       From the depths of the grave ^[a] I called for help,
       and you listened to my cry.  ³ You hurled me into the deep,
       into the very heart of the seas,
       and the currents swirled about me;
       all your waves and breakers
       swept over me.
 ⁴ I said, 'I have been banished
       from your sight;
       yet I will look again
       toward your holy temple.'
 ⁵ The engulfing waters threatened me, ^[b]
       the deep surrounded me;
       seaweed was wrapped around my head.
 ⁶ To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
       the earth beneath barred me in forever.
       But you brought my life up from the pit,
       O LORD my God.
 ⁷ "When my life was ebbing away,
       I remembered you, LORD,
       and my prayer rose to you,
       to your holy temple.
 ⁸ "Those who cling to worthless idols
       forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
 ⁹ But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
       will sacrifice to you.
       What I have vowed I will make good.
       Salvation comes from the LORD.".
For Reflection:
How many times have you turned to sleep to avoid facing the hard truths? Perhaps that's what Jonah did aboard the ship.  Jonah was already sorry for this weakness in response to God's call and accepted his fate--giving himself for the good of the crew.  Here he praises God and thanks Him for answering his prayer.  He has experienced the second chance grace. 

Pray that you sacrifice your self for God.  Sing a song of thanksgiving for His saving grace.  Vow to make good on your promises.