What does it mean to call upon the Lord in times of distress?
In Psalm 18:2-3a, 3bc-4, 5-6, 7, the psalmist declares that when they cried out to the Lord in their anguish, He heard their voice. In moments of deep distress, the psalmist turned to the Lord, seeking refuge and deliverance. They called upon God, who responded with swift action. The imagery of God’s intervention is vivid: He descended from heaven, riding on the wings of a storm. His presence was like thick clouds and consuming fire. The earth trembled, and the foundations of the mountains shook. The psalmist’s cry reached God’s ears, and He rescued them from their enemies. The Lord’s power and faithfulness were evident, providing a safe haven for the distressed soul.
This psalm reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our pain. When we call upon Him, He listens and acts. His response may not always be immediate, but it is sure. Our distress becomes an opportunity to experience His deliverance and draw closer to Him. Like the psalmist, we can trust that God hears our cries and responds with compassion.
In times of distress, remember to call upon the Lord – the One who hears, rescues, and provides refuge.
Ask Yourself
How can I cultivate a habit of turning to God in my moments of distress?
Let Us Pray
Loving God, in our distress, we call upon You. Hear our voice, rescue us, and be our refuge. Amen.
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Today’s verse is the Responsorial Psalm for Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent. It is part of our blog series called “Lenten Psalms“.