I am in pain and distress;
may Your salvation, O God, protect me.
Psalm 69:29
As a young man I suffered long from severe back pain. I really wanted to do many things, but my hands were tied by these pains. I was extremely discouraged. There was no medicine, no help at all. I cried to God on and on, however He seemed not to hear me. In my distress I tried to cling to Him, yet there was no reaction.
Many years passed when a pastor from Scotland, he was small in size, visited our church and prayed for me. He confirmed at the end that step by step healing will come, the pain will go. And indeed God answered his prayer of faith. It was slowly getting better! Only when I wanted to do something for my back by myself then it became worse again. Now I am free of back pains since long time, praise the Lord, I am so grateful when I think of these days of pains and the healing.
God has promised that our prayer for help is not in vain. He is not deaf! He always has a plan for us and will finally turn everything to the good.
It is David who wrote the psalm 69 as mentioned above. He knew all about suffering, pain, and persecution. But he knew God at the same time and always relied on Him: The distress will not last forever, God the Redeemer and Saviour will come! How grievous the distress will be and darkness instead of light will surround me, my Saviour is not far away from me. He rushes to help me. May the enemy attack me like mad I am safe in the love of God who wins.
God is a merciful God. He has a compassion for His children, will not leave them alone with mere principles of faith. No, He has mercy on them, will come to be in midst of them to comfort, heal them, give them hope. He is a wonderful Father for His children! We should seek Him more often for in His presence we find all what we need.

Thank you, Father, I find peace in you! Your are a wonderful, tender, merciful Father! You care about our distress. You are close to me, comfort and strengthen me. In You I have hope, for You will save me – thank you!
Bible reading today – Psalm 111: 1-10