A few months ago, my casual stroll past the seafood counter turned into a crisis. The sound of a screeching alarm told me something was wrong. Employees frantically waved their arms as they warned customers to leave the store right away.

This was an O God moment. It wasn’t the kind that makes me say, “O God! What a pleasant surprise!” This was more of a prayerful panic.

“Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Psalm 70:1 ESV)

An employee said using the rear exit was not an option. I abandoned my shopping cart and ran toward the front of the store. My mind raced to find the nearest exit. My feet followed.

Inwardly, I asked, “O God, what is happening? Is there an active shooter, a bomb scare or a fire?”

Once I was outside, I saw emergency vehicles in the parking lot. The other customers and I exchanged quick glances of fright mixed with confusion. Unsure if the building’s perimeter was safe, I quickly went to my car. I was grateful to survive the unnamed danger. It looked like everyone else had too.

Have you had an “O God” moment lately? They happen when I’m not sure what to do or when I’ve become undone.

Even after I left the store, the echoes of anxiety stayed with me.

I listened for more. However, there was nothing about the incident on the local news. My google search for social media chatter came up empty. My curiosity continued.

The next week I returned to the store. But this time my inquiries received an explanation. A water main break was the reason for the panic.

My “O God” moment was real. But my worst-case scenarios were not.

It happens when my imagination attempts to prepare me for the unwanted or the unknown. However, the water main break didn’t appear on my radar. It couldn’t have. I can’t possibly account for everything.

Only God does that. Only He can use what’s unwanted by us or unknown to us and use it for His glory.

Hence, in our fearful or fragile moments, our “O God” moments matter.

Psalm 70 says it well.

“But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” (Psalm 70:5 ESV)

But poverty or need may have little to do with our finances. Relationships can feel bankrupt. Support may be a scarce as we seek to overcome an obstacle. Our health or our hopes may feel like our best days are behind us. And yet, the echo chamber I need to hear contains the sound of the faithfulness of God.

It turns out the water main break was in the rear of the store. I was headed in that direction, until I was warned. I agree with the psalmist. God is my Help and my Deliverer.

He wants to be yours too. Because Songs of Hope can quiet the echoes of anxiety. It’s the title of a newly released devotional sharing insight from the book of Psalms.

I’m honored to be among the contributors to Songs of Hope, 31 Devotionals in the Psalms, Volume 2. You’ll find my devotional, “Our O God Moments Matter” among 30 other devotionals written by some amazing faith writers. We’d love to share this encouragement with you. To order your copy click here.

Comment on this post by Tuesday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST and enter a drawing to WIN A FREE COPY of the eBook SONGS OF HOPE, VOLUME 2 (includes a reading plan and Scripture cards). The winner will be announced February 10!