How can we call upon the Lord in distress like Psalm 118:5 suggests?

◄ How to call the Lord in distress? ►

The Heart of Psalm 118:5

“In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.” — Psalm 118:5

Recognizing Distress

• Distress is real, not imaginary; Scripture treats it as a tangible experience (2 Corinthians 1:8).

• It can stem from sin, opposition, fear, loss, or uncertainty (Psalm 31:9-13).

• Admitting it is the first faith-step; denial blocks the cry for help.

Turning Distress into a Call

• The psalmist moved from feeling pressed to actively “called to the LORD.”

• A call is vocal or silent, but always intentional (Exodus 2:23-24).

• It acknowledges God alone as Deliverer (Psalm 62:1-2).

Practical Steps to Call on the Lord

1. Speak His Name

– “Jesus, help me” models the simplicity of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:47-48).

2. State the Need Honestly

– “Pour out your hearts before Him” (Psalm 62:8).

3. Stand on His Promises

– Quote promises aloud:

• Psalm 50:15 — “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.”

• Jeremiah 33:3 — “Call to Me, and I will answer you…”

4. Submit the Outcome

– Trust His timing and method (Isaiah 55:8-9).

5. Stay in His Presence

– Worship while waiting; praise fortifies faith (Psalm 34:1).

Why We Can Call With Confidence

• God hears literally: “The LORD’s ears are attentive to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).

• He has pledged deliverance: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

• He empathizes: “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Scriptures That Echo the Invitation

• 2 Samuel 22:7 — “In my distress I called to the LORD…”

• Jonah 2:2 — “I called to the LORD in my distress, and He answered me.”

• Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing… let your requests be made known to God.”

Living Out the Answered Call

• Expect relief: God “set me free” implies space to breathe and move forward.

• Testify: recount deliverance to others (Psalm 118:17).

• Walk in gratitude: renewed trust fuels ongoing obedience (Colossians 2:6-7).