In my distress

I called to the LORD,

and He answered me.

              Psalm 120. 1

(Easy to call out for help,

but am I willing to listen

to what He has to say?

God never promised

that there would not be

     tough stuff in this life,

but "I am with you."

We live in a broken world,

not the way it is

         supposed to be,

and He has put us here

  to restore it and

         bring Him glory.

We live in a world

         of pain and suffering.

Why is God not doing

            something about it?

And He asks,

    "Why do you think

          I put you there?")

O LORD,

Not if,

         but when,

we find ourselves

neck deep in despair,

distress,

    and swirling muddy waters,

please help us

       not just to call out to You,

but to listen to what You say,

    hold tight to You,

and not just dwell

                in the miry bog.

You never intended

   for us to camp out there.

Help us to know You more

       even through this.