"Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" This is the signal used around the world when an airplane or boat is in trouble - usually big trouble. It's often the last word heard on the "black box" before communication with air traffic controllers is lost. The use of this distress signal began in 1923 following the suggestion of an air traffic controller at an airport and he chose this word because it seemed to cross the English/French languages since "m'aider" means "help me" in French.
God invites us to make use of our own personal "Mayday" call whenever we find ourselves in difficulty. He is more than willing to listen and come to our aid.
From a sea of troubles, I call out to you, Lord. Won’t you please listen as I beg for mercy? I pray to you, Lord! You are my place of safety, and you are my choice in the land of the living. Please answer my prayer. I am completely helpless. (Psalm 130:1, Psalm 142:5 CEV)
The "Mayday" signal is to be said three times in a row so it can't be mistaken for some other communication that sounds similar. When we admit we are powerless and our lives are unmanageable we are truly calling out, "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!" While we may be only hoping in desperation, we need to continue to call out for God's help until we come to believe that this power greater than ourselves has come to our rescue. God is with us. God is for us. Jesus forgives. Jesus heals. Jesus sets us free.
Rescue boats and helicopters can get to a ship in distress fairly quickly but it's only when those who called out "Mayday" actually co-operate with rescuers and allow themselves to be saved from their sinking vessel that they truly experience the help they need. Similarly, in our life in recovery, we only experience rescue when we turn our will and our lives over to God's care and begin following His directions.
Prayer: Gracious God, I need Your help today. I cannot get to real life on my own. Help me to truly believe what I’ve admitted so often – that I am powerless, and my life is unmanageable without You. Amen
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Audio for Thursday, May 30, 2019- "mayday! Mayday! Mayday!"
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