Listen to today’s devo!

When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out . . . wailing loudly and bitterly. (Est. 4:1)

Expanded Passage: Esther 4:1, 4

During the late stages of pregnancy with our oldest daughter, we were informed of a complication that left us feeling completely helpless. It appeared that our baby was not getting the nutrients she needed, and I would have to be induced weeks early. In my fear and desperation, I cried out to God asking him to protect our baby girl and bring us through delivery safely. Had I lived in Bible times, this would have been an appropriate time for sackcloth and ashes.

Sackcloth and ashes were symbols of humility, repentance, and mourning—in a word, they were displays of vulnerability. And while culturally fitting, I imagine these public displays of vulnerability were no more comfortable in those days than they are today. Yet it was Mordecai’s willingness to lament openly at the evil facing God’s people that served as the catalyst for the rest of the story.

Throughout Scripture, we hear God’s invitation to cry out to him in our pain and fear. He promises to respond with his presence and peace. When we are willing to draw near to him, even in our most vulnerable state, he draws near to us. There is no shortage of evil to lament in our world today, but we can rest assured that whatever concerns us is not unknown to God. And he welcomes our cries for help.

Cry out to God with the assurance that he will hear you.

Samantha Freds is an ordained pastor in The Wesleyan Church. She enjoys being active outside and spending time with her husband and two little girls.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.