“Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free.” Psalm 118:5 (ESV)
In the realities of life, distresses pass by. And with them come the urge to call on God for help. Aren’t you glad that He is our refuge and ever-present help?
Anyone who has ever called on God for helpful grace in a time of need can relate to the Psalmist’s affirmation. We may not be able to stop distress from coming, but we can certainly call on the Distress Reliever and He will answer us. We always know that He answers because He delivers us from the distress.
He is the Good Shepherd and He leads His sheep by calm, still waters. Today and throughout 2009, let’s remember that He leads us and we shall not lack anything, even when the way is not clear. Carefully consider the words of Louisa May Alcott’s poem that follows:
Silent and sad, When all are glad,
And the earth is dressed in flowers;
When the gay birds sing Till the forests ring,
As they rest in woodland bowers.
Oh, why these tears, And these idle fears
For what may come tomorrow?
The birds find food From God so good,
And the flowers know no sorrow.
If He clothes these And the leafy trees,
Will He not cherish thee?
Why doubt His care; It is everywhere,
Though the way we may not see.
(written when Miss Alcott was 11 years old)
Dear Father, thank you for relieving our distress. Grant that we may call on you with every distress, knowing that you will set us free. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s care,