“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?” (Psalm 22:1).

To roar is a sign of desperation. It is like a groaning that cannot be uttered. We are desperate in our sufferings and trials. The young lions are desperate in their hunger. The roar of the lion is not for the ears of his prey, which would only be frightened away by it. It is for the ears of Him Who provides for their sustenance. Lions know that simply going after prey does not guarantee it. God interprets their roar as an acknowledgement that He gives them their necessary provision.

If God hears beasts and puts this construction upon the roar of a lion, shall He not much more hear the cries of His own people. Their prays may be only feeble, desperate, broken groanings which cannot be uttered, but He hears and provides. Fear not, child of God, you are of more value than the young lions. Roar as you seek your help from God. Of course, the text also suggests we have to put feet to our prayers. The lions roar as they go to seek prey. We must cry to God, but also we must go to the meat of the Word.