Tuesday 24, June 2014
TEXT: PSALM 118:5-14
KEY VERSE: “I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place” (Psalm 118:5).
Someone in distress is as one at a crossroad. He does not seem to know which way to go. And like one between the devil and the deep sea, he is in the grip of fear, intensely confused. At such moment of distress, he is like a drowning man whose only hope for safety is to cling to any object in sight, be it a firm wood or a frail feather.
The whole of Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving. The Psalm praises God for all the benefits of salvation. It was led by the king himself, as the people reverently worshipped the Almighty God who had done great things among them.
The Psalmist, in strong terms, condemns trusting in man rather than in God. “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes” (verses 8,9). His enemies could not prevail against him, therefore, he concluded: “The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation”.
Situations will arise in this perverse and crooked world that will create panic, distress and pain for the child of God. To whom, at such a time, do you turn? Have you removed your confidence and trust in God? Do you now trust in man who shall surely die? Consider the words of the Psalmist again: “I called upon the LORD in distress, the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place” (verse 5). He will answer and deliver you, no matter what you, at this time, are passing through. How we need to cultivate the habit of thanking and praising God, not when He unleashes His goodness, but even when the situation is dire. Eventually, we will discover that all things will work together for our good.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: He never fails to answer the distress call.
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