Out of My Distress

By Lindsay Taylor

In Psalm 118:5, the psalmist says, “Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free.” In my distress, I called on the Lord. Most of us have been on the mountain peaks, and we have experienced the valleys; we know what it’s like to be under pressure, and in distress. Just the circumstances of daily life in today’s culture lead us into that quite regularly. I don’t know a family who’s not experiencing stress and pressure. And yet if we want to experience the fullness of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), we recognize that we call to the Lord, who is the giver of peace and mercy, joy and love.

Powerful, Personal Prayers

Praying out of distress is a powerful and deeply personal practice that spans various denominations and traditions. At its core, this type of prayer is a way for individuals to connect with the Lord during times of overwhelming difficulty, anguish, or hardship. The act of praying out of distress can be seen as an expression of vulnerability, as individuals lay bare their feelings and struggles before the Lord Jesus in the hope of finding solace, guidance, and strength.

The act of praying out of distress can be seen as an expression of vulnerability, as individuals lay bare their feelings and struggles before the Lord Jesus in the hope of finding solace, guidance, and strength.

When we find ourselves in distress, whether due to personal challenges, loss, illness, or any other form of adversity, it is natural to seek ways to cope and find meaning in our experiences. For followers of Jesus, turning to prayer offers a sense of comfort and assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. The act of praying out of distress reflects our belief in the compassion and understanding of God, who is a source of refuge and healing in times of trouble. The psalmist said, “I love the LORD because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy” (Psalm 116:1).

Finding Courage and Hope

Jim Cymbala, a well-known pastor and friend of Strategic Renewal, has written extensively on the subject of prayer and its relevance to everyday life. In his book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Pastor Jim emphasizes the transformative power of prayer, especially in moments of distress. He encourages individuals to turn to prayer as a means of finding courage and hope, asserting that sincere and fervent prayer can bring about profound change in one’s circumstances.

Similarly, Mark Vroegop, a pastor and author known for his work on lament and grief, offers valuable insights into the role of prayer during times of distress. In his book Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament, Mark delves into the biblical practice of lament, which involves honestly expressing one’s pain and sorrow to God. Through his exploration of lament, Mark highlights the significance of engaging with God amid distress, recognizing that authentic prayer can serve as a pathway to healing and restoration.

The act of praying out of distress can take various forms, including supplication, intercession, meditation, and reflection, each serving as a means of reaching out to God in times of need. We can effectively use the 4/4 pattern (explained HERE) to bring our distress to the Lord.

The act of praying out of distress can take various forms, including supplication, intercession, meditation, and reflection, each serving as a means of reaching out to God in times of need.

Research in the field of psychology has highlighted the potential benefits of prayer in promoting emotional well-being and resilience. Engaging in prayer during times of distress may offer individuals a sense of control, purpose, and connection, contributing to their overall sense of wellness. If they only understood that praying out of a deep relationship with the very One who formed us in our mother’s womb would create not only a mental well-being, but an intimate relationship with our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Comfort, Strength, Guidance

In conclusion, the practice of praying out of distress holds profound significance for individuals seeking comfort, strength, and guidance in the face of adversity. Rooted deep within our faith, and our quest for inner peace, the act of prayer serves as a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of the human experience. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of figures such as Jim Cymbala and Mark Vroegop, individuals can tap into the transformative power of prayer, finding assurance in the belief that they are not alone in their struggles. The act of praying out of distress is a testament to the enduring knowledge that our Lord is worthy to be sought in and through every situation as we seek solace and renewal in the presence of our God Most High, even amidst the darkest of times.

Rooted deep within our faith, and our quest for inner peace, the act of prayer serves as a powerful tool for navigating the complexities of the human experience.

Lindsay Taylor serves as president of Strategic Renewal Canada, with a deep desire to see churches across our land experience a heaven-sent move of God. He is available to come alongside your local church to coach its leaders in developing a prayer strategy as he evaluates its ministries. He has been married to his wife Kathy for over 40 years. They have three adult children, one granddaughter, and three grandsons. He and his wife love the local church and ministering in it.