WRESTLING WITH YOUR FRIENDS during grade school was great fun as long as everybody knew the secret word. The word that was uttered when you found yourself pinned to the ground with no hope of escape. The word that sometimes came forth as a shout and at other times was expressed in a windless whisper. The word? Why “uncle,” of course. I don’t know the etymology of the word to end all wrestling matches, but I am sure glad I knew it. I am sure it saved my life.
It is a word that I still utter when pinned down by the strong opponents of life. Sometimes it still breaks forth with a loud shout and at other times as a barely audible whisper of a prayer. I must admit that the word has changed form for me. As an adult I very rarely cry “uncle,” but I use its biblical cousin, “mercy.”
When I find myself weighed down by the worries of life, or overwhelmed by the events that seem to be shaking our world to its very core, I cry out, “mercy”. When I am overcome by the deaths of loved-ones, or the seemingly incurable disease attacking another, I cry out, “mercy.” But now, instead of speaking this word to one who has me pinned to the carpet, I cry out to the One who can lift my burden, and set me free. I call out to the One who sits upon His throne of grace, and who bids me to cry out to Him whenever I am in need (Hebrews 4:16). I cry out and I find mercy and grace.
Do you find yourself today with your arms bent behind you and your face shoved into the dirt? Then why not cry out for mercy, for the Lord is here. He is in your corner. He is ready to help.
Cry out!