Seasons of distress are often bumper to bumper. You get through one and run slap into another. And on and on it goes. Sometimes the distress is caused by your own internal struggle with sin. Sometimes it's caused by external sin and sadness. Sometimes it's caused by the sinfulness of others who do not consider their sin a problem. Bottom-line: distress in this life is a given. The cause is sin and it's here until God makes all things new.
On my prayer walk this morning, I found that not only was the physical part a laborious effort, but the conversation with God as well. Prayer is like that at times but as I look up at the sky, I know He is and I continue to talk no matter how bad I feel because I know He has the answer to distress.
When I got into the car to go home, on the radio, a cello was playing a beautiful rendition of "Sweet Hour of Prayer". What comfort it brought to my mind and heart. As I recalled the words learned from childhood, they began playing in my head. There is one phrase, however, with which I took issue: "In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief." I would have to disagree there. Even though this doesn't fit, I would say "always only" found relief.
How loving is God to nudge me in my darkness and let me know He is there!! I've included some of the words here, maybe to encourage you, too!
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that calls me from a world of care. And bids me at My
Father's throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has
often [always only] found relief. And oft escaped the tempter's snare by thy return, sweet hour of
prayer. [There are many more verses and the author is William W. Walford, 1845]
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