Day 3 - Distress Call

I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me. Psalm 120:1

Some people suffer needlessly every day because they are trapped
by worry and forget to call on the Lord in their distress. They may feel distressed because of overwhelming financial pressures or because their body is accelerating down a path of pain and disease. When couples are caught in a cycle of distrust and blame, they will bring distress to their relationship. The rough edge of a cruel tongue can cut and cause distress to friends and family.

So what are the next steps to take when you or someone you love is drowning in distress? Some people want to discuss their distress and accept help willingly. Others struggle to preserve their privacy and behave, at least outwardly, as if nothing is wrong. Distress can pull you into a humble dependency on God, or it can drive you into a shell of self-pity. But it is when we fully trust in God and offer our distress up to him that we find peace. The Holy Spirit assures you that God cares. He is attentive to every detail of your distress, so rest in his reassurance and let your soul be secure. Yes, use distress to teach you to depend on God.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” - 1 Samuel 30:6

Lord, in times of distress, I call upon you. You are my refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Hear my cry, O Lord, and bring peace to my troubled heart. Grant me strength to endure, for I know you are with me always. In your name, I find comfort. Amen.

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 22:7; Psalm 4:1; Mark 14:33; 2 Corinthians 2:14