What does Jonah 2:3 mean?

Jonah 2:3 highlights themes such as despair, crying out, god's presence when read in context.

How should I apply Jonah 2:3 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

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.

1Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly,

2And 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.

3For 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.

4Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.

5The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

despaircrying outgod's presence

Psalm 69:1-2
Both passages depict a deep sense of drowning and being overwhelmed.