Distress

Distress

What should I do when I am distressed?

God’s Response

The Israelites did what was evil in the LORD’s sight . . . they abandoned the LORD . . . He sold them to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the LORD fought against them, bringing them defeat, just as he promised. And the people were very distressed. Judges 2:11-12, 14-15

Certain actions have predictable reactions. If you try to stop a speeding car with your bare hands, you will get run over. Of course we would never do this. But the Bible talks about another kind of act that has a predictable consequence—sin. God’s Word makes it clear that sin always hurts us because it separates us from God (our source of mercy and blessing) and puts us in the shadow of the enemy. Giving in to temptation puts us right in the middle of the road where evil hurtles toward us at high speed. Being run over by the consequences of sin causes great distress in our lives. Not all distress is caused by our sinful actions, but the next time you are distressed, as the people of Israel were, your first response should be to check your heart and your actions to see if there are areas of your life in which you are giving in to sin. Then get off the road of temptation before the consequences of sin run you over. Return to the Lord and cry for his mercy. God has a soft spot for humble and repentant people.

God’s Promise

I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2