A Cry for Help in Times of Emotional Distress
Emotional distress comes in many shapes and forms. Yet, regardless the form, it is painful and difficult to bear when we are in its midst.
In the Old Testament, David was no stranger to emotional distress, and cried unto the Lord for help repeatedly. Each time David cried unto the Lord, he was met by God’s warm, loving embrace.
Listen to David’s heart as recorded in Psalm 18:6, “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.”
In Psalm 31:22, David says, “In panic I cried out, ‘I am cut off from the Lord!’ But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.”
In Esther 4:1, after Mordecai learned about the decree which Haman deceitfully dictated to have the Jews killed, the Bible says, “When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.”
Do you feel panicked today? Have your tears been your food day and night as they were David’s (Psalm 42:3)? God answered David and Mordecai in their emotional distress. God stands ready to answer your cry for help, too.
Father in Heaven,
Hear my cry and help me today, right now, Lord. My emotions overwhelm and consume me like a flood. Yet, I trust in You. I trust in Your strength, Your power, Your purpose and Your love for me.
I wait expectantly for You, Father.
Teach me Your good and perfect ways as a result of this distress, and draw me close to You, O Lord.
I thank You and praise You, Father, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory” (Psalm 32:7).
Answer me in my distress, dear Father, as You promise in Your Word.
Forgive me for failing You, Lord, and restore to me the joy of my salvation.
In Your perfect, holy name I pray.
AMEN.
In the Old Testament, David was no stranger to emotional distress, and cried unto the Lord for help repeatedly. Each time David cried unto the Lord, he was met by God’s warm, loving embrace.
Listen to David’s heart as recorded in Psalm 18:6, “But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.”
In Psalm 31:22, David says, “In panic I cried out, ‘I am cut off from the Lord!’ But you heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.”
In Esther 4:1, after Mordecai learned about the decree which Haman deceitfully dictated to have the Jews killed, the Bible says, “When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.”
Do you feel panicked today? Have your tears been your food day and night as they were David’s (Psalm 42:3)? God answered David and Mordecai in their emotional distress. God stands ready to answer your cry for help, too.
Father in Heaven,
Hear my cry and help me today, right now, Lord. My emotions overwhelm and consume me like a flood. Yet, I trust in You. I trust in Your strength, Your power, Your purpose and Your love for me.
I wait expectantly for You, Father.
Teach me Your good and perfect ways as a result of this distress, and draw me close to You, O Lord.
I thank You and praise You, Father, “For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory” (Psalm 32:7).
Answer me in my distress, dear Father, as You promise in Your Word.
Forgive me for failing You, Lord, and restore to me the joy of my salvation.
In Your perfect, holy name I pray.
AMEN.
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