Anguish is defined by Merriam-Webster as “extreme pain, distress or anxiety.”
You’ve been there. So have I.
We experience a loss. Maybe it’s a loved one, or a treasured possession, or a capability we once possessed. It’s painful.
We come under attack. Perhaps it’s an attack on our health by a disease or injury. Maybe it’s a personal attack by someone from whom we expect support. That’s distressing.
We face difficult challenges that lie ahead. They may seem insurmountable. Defeat looms, rather than victory. In the place of glory, shame hovers. The situation is most definitely anxiety-producing.
What’s the best way to handle anguish? I highly recommend David’s way.
He trusted God’s power to sooth his anguish. He leaned on God’s authority to address issues and provide healing, according to his will. Most of all, no matter what situation was creating his pain, distress or anxiety, David looked to God for unfailing love.
“Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 6:2-4, NIV).
Lord, you are in control of the entire universe, and you love me. Please grant me relief of my anguish, according to your will, Lord. May this pain and distress draw me closer to you. May my anxiety make me a more faithful pray-er.
Our Bible reading for Wednesday, January 7, is Genesis 14:1 – 16:16, Matthew 5:43 – 6:24 and Psalm 6:1-10.
Header image based on "anguished..." by Aoyama, CC by 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. (Psalm 6:6 NIV)
Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?
I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. (Psalm 6:1-3, 6 NIV)
Heavenly Father, I come before you humble and full of sin. Some nights I cry because I have no place to turn from my frustration, my anguish. That’s when I feel your hand, your peace on me. Thank you so much for the love that share with me. Please bring you grace to others that share my pain.
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