The time has long since passed, but I remember it so very well. When I was a young child, my nephews and I frequently sang a bedtime cry, “Mommy, I want some milk.” Snuggled in our respective beds, we repeatedly sang this refrain and increased volume until we received the desired response, ice-cold glass of milk!
I am not sure if we were prolonging sleep or had a genuine thirst that needed to be satisfied. What we did desire, however, was an answer to our cry. This little memory from my childhood makes me chuckle, but it also reminds me of childlike faith and the need to cry out to someone bigger myself.
In this season, many are crying out for relief, healing, and deliverance. Many have questions about what is “normal” and are seeking responses. Many desire resolutions to the complexities of life changes. There are genuine needs to be met for people to move forward. Many are in distress.
Distress is real and affects people of all ages. It is an enormous pain, anxiety, and sorrow when we are going through the difficult seasons of life. We are often discouraged to the point of feeling defeated, and many of us lose hope.
The psalmist in the 118th Psalm is all too familiar with distress. He was hated, surrounded by enemies, and pushed to the point of almost falling.
In the 118th Psalm, verses 5 and 6, we find these encouraging words:
“Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
In his distress, he was confident that the Lord would help him.
Despite the struggles and the resulting anguish of heart, the psalmist opens and closes the Psalm with these words. “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” (verses 1 and 29).
No one loves us more deeply than God. He is our creator, redeemer, protector, helper, strength, and song.
The Lord is who we need to cry out to in our times of distress. His love is unshakable. His love never diminishes because of wounds from friends, family, and associates or even those that are self-inflicted. His passion isn’t casual or situational but genuine and relentless. God’s love for humanity lasts into eternity.
Just like a loving parent responds to a child’s cry, our Faithful God responds to the cry of those who seek Him and call on Him.
I want to end with the words of this hymn, written by Elisha A. Hoffman.
“I must tell Jesus All of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone.
In my distress He kindly will help me.
He ever loves and cares for His own.
Refrain: I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone.
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.”
Be encouraged; His love is enduring!
Blessings
Phyllis
PHYLLIS A. CLEMONS 