Christian kids’ entertainer Colin Buchanan inscribed this phrase on a storybook he signed for our daughter, Phoebe. It’s the title of one of his classic songs, which reminds children to remember that the Lord is always in control. The closing lines from the refrain: “He’s watching His children, He cares oh-oh! Remember the Lord, oh-oh, oh-oh!” No matter what difficulties we face or how down we feel, God has His loving eye on His people and hears us when we cry out to Him.

One person who could certainly relate to this was the prophet Jonah. He ran from the mission God had given him, boarded a ship that became caught in a life-threatening storm, and was thrown overboard. Jonah would later say, “The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me…the earth beneath barred me in for ever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. ‘When my fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to you…” (Jonah 2:5-7).

At the lowest point in his life, even aware that he had brought this disastrous situation on himself, Jonah cried out to God. He still had hope of deliverance, hope of living not only to tell his gripping sea-story but to say, “Salvation comes from the LORD” (2:9).  

In this broken world we will face many troubles, self-inflicted or otherwise. We may feel as though we have sunk to such a low point that there will be no return; we may not be able to see a way through. Yet we should never give up. The God who gave His Son Jesus Christ over to death for our sins and raised Him up victorious over the grave is able to save all who turn to Him in faith. He brings eternal salvation and present comfort and help to His people, that we may glorify Him.

So when you are down in ‘the depths’, heed the words of Jonah, Colin Buchanan and the faithful throughout the ages, and “remember the Lord”!