As I write this devotion, I cannot count the many times I have called on the Lord in times of distress. I know I am not alone. There are times when we have been overwhelmed by trials and troubles, and needed to call on the name of the Lord. Sometimes, it had been in the midnight hour – or before the sun rose. Before you read further, take the time to remember when you have had to call on the name of the Lord in times of grief and pain. Perhaps, you have never had to call on Him during those times. I would simply say, keep on living for there will be a time when you will need to call on His name to help and strengthen you. Our devotion today focuses on a distress call, found in Psalm 118:5.

“In my distress I prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered me and set me free.”

The psalmist begins this psalm by giving thanks to the Lord. He expresses his gratitude for the Lord’s faithful love unto him. He calls upon the people to acknowledge the Lord’s goodness. Then, the psalmist gives his personal testimony of his calling on the name of the Lord in those deep and troubled times in his life. His prayer does not go unanswered; he writes, “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.” What a wonderful testimony he offers unto the Lord. Those of us who have called on the Lord’s name, can say like the psalmist, “the Lord answered me,” and we in turn can give Him praise.