Psalm 107: In Distress
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Lent is the perfect time of year to turn our distress over to God. By doing this repeatedly, we become accustomed to turning to our creator before all else. This brings a serenity to all we do . . . even when we find ourselves in distress. This leads us to redemption.
With hearts humbled by hardship, the Lord’s redeemed give thanks to the Lord for his saving hand.
Ill and afflicted by evil ways, the distressed cry out for help to the Lord.
Led forth from darkness and gloom, those who have been snatched from the grave give thanks to the Lord for his kindness.
Reeling and staggering like drunkards, the sorrowing drink from clear waters the Lord provides in the desert.
Sowing and reaping the abundance of the Lord, the poor who have been oppressed now settle in the verdant valleys of the Lord.
God blessed them, they became very many, and their livestock did not decrease . . . Whoever is wise will take note of these things, will ponder the merciful deeds of the Lord.
We often find ourselves in various degrees of distress. Today’s psalm speaks to those who find themselves in dire straits because they have turned away from God; but regardless of whether we suffer innocently or through our own fault, we need to ask this question: Where do we go and what do we do when we are in spiritual pain? We might turn to an activity that hides the ache but does not deal with the cause. We might also turn to God who is yearning to hold us close. In either case – whether we are innocent or guilty – when horror strikes and we are in distress, we pray . . .
Heavenly Father, Divine Son, Comforting Spirit, we spend out Lenten journey in search of you. Open our eyes to what we must see about what and who we are. Open our ears to what you are telling us through others. Open our mouths to tell the story of our salvation from the paralyzing hold of darkness. Open our hearts to your ways of merciful justice and loving kindness. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Adapted from a reflection written on March 8, 2010.
Image from: http://www.coramdeogp.com/blog/
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