How can we call upon the Lord in times of distress today? Distress Meets Deliverance “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.” (Psalm 107:13) The verse is simple, direct, and literal: when God’s people cry out, He rescues. What “Crying Out” Really Means • More than whispering a quick request—think urgent, wholehearted, desperate appeal • Addressed to “the LORD,” the covenant Name that guarantees He hears and keeps His word • Rooted in humility—admitting we cannot fix ourselves • Joined to repentance when sin has contributed to the distress (Psalm 32:5) Practical Ways to Call on the Lord Today 1. Pause and turn—switch from self-reliance to God-reliance in the very moment of trouble. 2. Say His Name aloud—“Lord Jesus, help me!” (Matthew 14:30-31). 3. Confess the need clearly—He already knows, but He wants our honesty (Psalm 62:8). 4. Stand on a promise—quote Scripture back to Him (see list below). 5. Ask specifically—distress invites precise petitions (Philippians 4:6). 6. Thank Him in advance—faith anticipates deliverance (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Promises That Anchor Our Cry • 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 and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” • Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” • Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence…” • 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” • Philippians 4:6-7 – Prayer plus thanksgiving yields God’s guarding peace. Living Illustrations of God’s Response • Israel at the Red Sea—crying out turned panic into a path through the waters (Exodus 14). • Hezekiah under siege—one prayer routed an entire army (2 Kings 19). • Jonah in the fish—distress became deliverance and renewed obedience (Jonah 2). • Peter sinking—“Lord, save me!” brought the immediate hand of Jesus (Matthew 14). Cultivating a Lifestyle of Calling on Him • Daily quiet time—train the heart before the crisis comes. • Memorize key verses—so promises surface instantly. • Worship—singing truth steadies a storm-tossed soul. • Fellowship—share burdens; let others join your cry (James 5:16). • Journal answered prayers—recording rescues fuels future faith. • Thanksgiving—regular gratitude keeps panic from choking prayer. When the Answer Seems Slow • Remember His character—faithful, loving, never late (Lamentations 3:22-26). • Keep obeying the last clear instruction—distress is no excuse for disobedience. • Encourage yourself in the Lord—recall past deliverances (1 Samuel 30:6). • Stay in community—others can believe when your strength wanes. Our Distress, His Deliverance Psalm 107 repeats a pattern: trouble, cry, rescue, thankfulness. The same Lord still listens, still saves, and still deserves our praise. Call on Him—literally, verbally, confidently—and watch Him turn distress into deliverance today. |
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