A few weeks ago, my family was dining out at the local mall food court.  I was enjoying a buffalo chicken sandwich, my wife was enjoying a salad from Chick Fil A, and my little gal was enjoying her usual chicken nuggets from Chick Fil A.

We were enjoying a conversation, talking about various things, when all of a sudden we heard a blood curdling scream.  We looked over, and we saw a little boy, probably around 3 years old, running around screaming for his mother.

Mommy!!!  Mommy!!!!

He weaved through all the food court tables, frantically searching for his mother.  He passed by us – I tried to get up to say something to him, but was moving so quickly looking for his mother.  Finally a lady was able to calm him down, grabbed his hand, and  they found the nearest mall worker, who radioed for security.

There was a moment of absolute chaos, followed by a buzz of insecurity from all who were witnessing the event.  It seemed as if everyone sat quiet for about 15 seconds, catching their breath.  At our table, we were on edge, shaken, and took a bit longer.

We took the opportunity to explain to Josie, if she ever got separated from us in a mall, how to find someone she could trust so we could find her.

It was a moment I hope I never have to experience again.

In the Psalms, we see another experience similar to this – in Psalm 130, David says:

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy. 
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand? 
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.
Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption. 
He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.

David lived with a tremendous burden of guilt.  He had committed adultery, and he continued in his sin by trying to cover it up.

David, much like the child wandering around screaming for his mother, cried out for his Father.  He felt as if God had left him, as if God was no longer around.  But in this situation, God had not left him, but rather, David had left God.

David’s heart was broken.  His mind was racing.  And from the depths of his soul, he cried out for God.  David was reminded in the moment to calm down, and that God is a God of forgiveness, so long as you seek it with all your heart.

And like the little boy was desperately seeking for his mother, and found a way through kind hearted people, David found the way back to God – through his redemptive grace and mercy.

When you find yourself lost and alone – and feel like no one is there for you, remember that God is there.