Exodus 14:10 And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.
Pharaoh had changed his mind and was chasing after the fleeing Israelites. When they saw Pharaoh’s army marching after them they feared greatly. Panic set in, and their first response was the right one: they cried out to the Lord.
Worry, anxiety, panic, and fear of the Enemy closing in should also cause us to pray and cry out to the Lord. This is what the Word tells us in Philippians 4:6: ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” The issues that arise in life (the ”in everything”) prompt us to turn to the Lord and cry out in prayer in place of the natural response of worry and fear. Then the “peace of God will guard your hearts and minds (v. 7).” God answered their prayer by saving His people and destroying the Evil Enemy in the Sea’s waters (signifying Baptism).
This response was fine, but their next response not so much: they complained against Moses and blamed God. This is the choice we all have: complain or pray. The saint in us prays; the sinner in us complains.