Even criminals have a secret fear... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Psalm 50:15

A brief article once appeared in a daily newspaper under the warning headline: "Women at night, act right!" This was the advice of the police. One of their tips was: "A prayer uttered loudly will distract and shock a sex offender and put him to flight."
Even criminals have a secret fear or awe before almighty God. The police assert that a loud call to God for help unnerves them and they make off.
Indeed it is not infrequent that people who otherwise rarely or never think of God suddenly pray to Him in an emergency. That often happens when catastrophes occur. People at once recognise to what limits they are subject. When newspapers report such instances, the conclusion reached is often: "All we can do is to pray."
"Troubles teach us to pray" is a proverbial expression. How many have promised to lead their future life according to God's will, if He hears their prayer and delivers them from a hopeless situation? God is truly prepared to help people in distress, even if they have been indifferent towards Him hitherto. His love is not dependent on conditions. However, if God reveals His love and helps us out of a predicament, He expects us to keep our promise and turn to Him. Whoever hardens his heart in face of such love, will indeed "fall into calamity" (Proverbs 28:14).
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16