The Cry of Distress, and the Answer of Grace

Psalm 118:5  •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 5
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Ps. 118:5
“I CALLED upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.” What a contrast is here between the deliverances of men (few indeed, too) and the manner of God’s deliverances, His delivered ones being also many — “a great multitude which no man could number.” For there is here not deliverance only, but a large place into which the answered one is now brought. Truly, God’s ways are above our ways.
“Distress.” Can there be in this world a greater distress than what is felt by the one into whose soul the word of God has entered and plowed up the conscience? To find out how I stand as in the sight of heaven—guilty! “Guilty—before God.” What an awful discovery is this! Yet, how true! Now is the truth made known in its fullness since Jesus Christ came, and died for our sins, and ascended on high. When here on earth the Lord Jesus told out the state of man in these words, “The Son of man came to seek and save that which is lost.” Have you taken this ground before God—as one that is “lost”? If lost then, is there no hope? Yes, but only in turning away from yourself, or from any creature, to God above. “I called upon the Lord.” No other call can avail. Your case is too desperate for any man or angel to take up. “Look unto me... for I am God, and there is none else” (Isai. 45:22). The Psalmist called upon the Lord, and the Lord answered. Are you entitled to call? What saith the Scripture? “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)). Is not this plain, and encouraging? Be not heedless. God is waiting to hear your call. He knows your distress. He delights to answer the cry of faith. “Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed,” or confounded (Rom. 10:1111For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (Romans 10:11)). The references are given so that you may turn to them, and know that they are the testimony of God Himself in His word. “If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: for this is the testimony of God, which he hath testified of his Son” (1 John 5:99If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (1 John 5:9)).
Not only is there “deliverance,” but entry into a large place. Why should God so go beyond our call? Because He delights, not only in mercy, but also in goodness—in grace. “Rich in mercy,” there is, moreover, the greatness of His love (Eph. 2:4, 84But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (Ephesians 2:4)
8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8)). And all this righteously, because of His Son whom He gave and raised again from the dead— “who was delivered up for our offenses and raised again for our justification.” “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 4:24-5:224But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. 1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 4:24‑5:2)). Is not this a large place indeed? And why not yours?