Right Things To Do In Times Of Affliction
Text: Jonah 2:1, 2 IBCWPM June 24, 2026
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
In times of affliction, we must make a way to retain good composure and learn from these life-squeezing moments. In Psalm 119:71, it is written, It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. (KJV) God-permitted adversities that come across our life course are not designed to destroy us completely, but for our learning and for our own benefit.
Seemingly, many people are not learning from their past afflictions. On the other hand, those who learn important lessons from their past tribulations are now more careful in their steps and more obedient to the Word of God. The psalmist said in Psalm 119:67, Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (KJV) God has always a way to shape our lives according to His blessed will.
As we read and have a careful study of the Bible account of Jonah’s chastisement and prayer inside the fish’s belly, we will surely learn a lot of things on what to do in times of trouble.
(I) Remember God And Pray Jonah 2:1, 2, 7
Jonah’s affliction was a lesson-filled consequence of fleeing away from God’s blessed will. He avoided his life’s purpose and followed his questionable mindset. He ran away from God not knowing that he will be led to his self-made and humiliating dead end. He was found unfaithful, but God touched his life inside the fish’s belly. In Jonah 2:7, Jonah said, When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. (KJV) Jonah came to himself and remembered God.
In times of affliction, faith-triggered prayer is a wise step to recovery. The Bible says in Jonah 2:1-2, Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, 2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. (KJV) It’s good to remember always that God hears and answers prayer.
The Bible warns us of sad result of forgetting God as written in Psalm 9:17, The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. (KJV) In times of hardship, remember God, pray and He will take care of you.
-There is always hope in the Lord Jonah 2:3, 4
If we are dismayed and begin to lose our hope because of fears and uncertainties, we must keep in mind that there is hope in the Lord. In Jonah 2:3-4, it is written, For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. (KJV) In the midst of trouble, Jonah was looking ahead with hope, expecting spiritual revival. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and He will give you hope that the world cannot afford to give.
Keep right with God Jonah 2:7
It’s hard to keep right with God if we harden our heart and have indifferent attitude toward His Word. Mindfulness of God and a humble prayer are must-haves in keeping right with God. Jonah 2:7 says, When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple. (KJV) If we have offended God by disobeying His command, it’s best for us to keep right with Him before it’s too late.
Acknowledge God’s salvation Jonah 2:9
During crucial moments, acknowledging God’s great deliverance will touch His heart, and eventually, He will save us from dangers. In Jonah 2:9, it is written, But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD. (KJV) Giving thanks to God and paying what we have vowed are delightful to Him.
Enjoy God’s loving mercy Jonah 2:10
Our Heavenly Father is merciful and gracious to them that seek Him with a humble heart. The Bible says in Jonah 2:10, And the LORD spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land. (KJV) Despite of Jonah’s disobedience and uncaring attitude, God still showed him His loving mercy by taking him out of the fish’s belly. He gave him a second chance to go to the Ninevites to warn them so they may repent from their sins and experience God’s loving mercy.
Spiritual insights to live by:
No one is exempted from afflictions in this troubled world, but God is always ready to give deliverance. He also permits adversities to come on our way for a purpose. Jonah was afflicted, but he remembered God, prayed to Him, and he was restored physically and spiritually.
From time to time, we experience tribulation so our faith in God will be tested. It is also a way to build up one’s godly character. Going to a process of sanctification is very beneficial to every believer who is looking forward to the glorious coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In I Peter 1:6-7, it is written, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: (KJV)
