Calling the Right Number in Distress

By Dean Collins

“Who you gonna call?” Unless you have lived under a rock over the last few years, you know the reference and the answer to the question: “Ghostbusters!” And of course, you remember the next line: “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!” Not the best grammar but a fun and energetic song connected to a rather silly movie!

You know the plot line, of course. If someone experienced distress due to odd happenings in their home or business, then it was likely a ghost. After all, what else could it be that caused their distress? But I assume you would quickly say that you could name any number of things that have caused you distress that had nothing to do with a cartoonish ghost. 

Psalm 120 opens, “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” The psalmist knew well that in distress our best option is to call upon the God of heaven. But like you, I will admit that sometimes my first impulse is to call a friend and complain about my distress instead of going to the greatest source of help and strength in times of great need. 

There is nothing wrong with calling a friend, of course, and if it is a friend who walks with the Lord, then they will probably offer some encouragement and help and remind you to call out to the Lord. They might even do that with you and for you!

The psalmist was particularly distressed because of people who were being deceitful and acting with selfish and destructive intent. We don’t know the details, but apparently as the psalmist was moving through a certain geographic location that was known to have difficult people living there, he had encountered some situation where he was subject to their destructive lies and the psalmist needed some relief.

I have had certain seasons where I had to deal with people who repeatedly lied, deceived, and were bent on their end game with no real interest or compassion for anyone in the relationship other than themselves. Situations like that can be frightening and especially exhausting. 

Like the psalmist expressed in the last verse, we too are for peace, yet often we have to deal with others who seem to be focused on doing battle instead of working in ways to bring restoration and reconciliation to others. The good news is that as the psalmist declared in the beginning of this psalm, God answered when he called for him! 

God will answer you as well. We may not see an instant solution to our issue or problem, but we can rest assured that God hears our prayers for help and he is answering even as you read this. Those who are continuing to lie, deceive, and simply want to bully others may be a nuisance, but they will eventually reap what they have sown. Take heart, God knows you, loves you, understands your situation, and is working a perfect plan. 

Father, thank you for this reminder in Psalm 120 that in our distress, we can call to you and you will answer! Fill us with your peace today as we rest in your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Psalm 120:1-7 ESV

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