Distress

“When the men of Israel saw that they were in danger, (for the people were distressed), then the people hid in caves, in thickets, in rocks, in holes and in pits.” 1 Samuel 13:6

Twenty-five years ago, I was in deep distress.

Thank You, Lord, for being our hiding place and knowing when we are in danger and distress. And here’s a simple poem . . .

A Very Real Danger

We can hide in pits of anger
in the thick of food

in sleepless holes
and caves of substance abuse

but it won’t take away
the very real danger of

living on the outside
and refusing Your love.

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on November 9, 2011 at 7:41 am Comments (22)
Tags: Christian, danger, devotions, distress, poetry, praise

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22 Comments

On November 9, 2011 at 8:04 am thefisherlady said:

this reminds me of one of my favourite Psalms…139:7
Wither shall I go from Thy Spirit? Or wither shall I flee from Thy presence?
….always He is there… He possesses our reins.

What a great comfort
may we always come in from the outside
and embrace His love…
Thanks Deb!
On November 9, 2011 at 8:34 am Debbie said:

Your comments come out like poems, sweet faith filled fisherlady. Thank you! I like that “He possesses our reins”. 🙂
God bless you and embrace you today!
On November 9, 2011 at 8:46 am Roger Williams said:

“Twenty-five years ago, I was in deep distress.”

Bless you, Debbie … was there too just a year earlier. But praise God that we’ve met the One who sits at the Father’s right hand, because He told us He would always uphold us with His righteous right hand Isaiah 41:10. Pretty cool eh?
On November 9, 2011 at 10:22 am planaquarium said:

Ah,yes – been there, too. And you’re so right, the danger wasn’t the darkness, it was running from His Light! Sometimes it’s good to remember the valleys to appreciate today’s beautiful mountaintop. Blessings!
On November 9, 2011 at 10:55 am Moore to ponder said:

Thank you so much for sharing this. I am so thankful for your witness.

Love,
Theresa
On November 9, 2011 at 12:51 pm Mike said:

“but it won’t take away
the very real danger of

living on the outside
and refusing Your love.”

It’s easy to forget there is more at stake than just the benefit or misery of this life with or without God; the next one is permanent.
On November 9, 2011 at 1:17 pm Tammy said:

the very real danger of living on the outside. In his grace, we turn this into very real opportunity.
On November 9, 2011 at 3:02 pm Larry Who said:

“…Twenty-five years ago, I was in deep distress…”

Twenty-six years, five months and nineteen days ago for me, but still I remember it just as if it happened yesterday.

Thanks.
On November 9, 2011 at 3:10 pm Linda Kruschke said:

Deb, What an honest poem. I love it. Thank you for sharing your own distress and the refuge you have found in Him. Peace, Linda
On November 9, 2011 at 9:19 pm Debbie said:

Very cool, Roger! God bless you as He upholds you today! 🙂
On November 9, 2011 at 9:22 pm Debbie said:

Great insights, planaquarium! Any stress I feel today is nothing compared to the distress I was in. 🙂 God bless you as you bathe in His light today!
On November 9, 2011 at 9:24 pm Debbie said:

Thankful for you too, wonderful woman of the Word! God bless you and where He has you at now! love you!
On November 9, 2011 at 9:28 pm Debbie said:

Good to have you here, Mike! 🙂 Thank you for showing us that real truth. God bless you as you share it with as many as you can.
On November 9, 2011 at 9:29 pm Debbie said:

His grace changes everything. 🙂 God bless you, Tammy, and the very real opportunities He brings to you!
On November 9, 2011 at 9:33 pm Debbie said:

The deeper our distress, the more we realize the power of His saving grace and place. 🙂 God bless you, Larry, as you remember and pray for others to know it too!
On November 9, 2011 at 9:35 pm Debbie said:

God bless you, Linda, for all the ways you guide others in distress to Him!
On November 10, 2011 at 4:10 am Linda said:

Wow, Debbie… you are speaking my language. I wonder if you were a believer then… or whether the crisis is what brought you to faith.

I know so many people who “get saved,” then turn back to substance abuse when the chips are down. I’m proud of you for hanging in there and having the courage to reflect on those times.

Hugs to you! : )
On November 10, 2011 at 6:45 am Debbie said:

So , so good to see your beautiful face here and hear your warm and wonderful heart via your words. 🙂 She’s baaaaack!
It’s okay to reflect as long as I think about all He’s done for me and don’t get caught up in the shame or guilt of things. 🙂
God bless you and your faith that keeps driving you to Him!
On November 10, 2011 at 9:14 am pbus1 said:

Hi Debbie,

A powerful message! I thank God for allowing us to know, that the only real hiding place we have is in Jesus! God is our refuge and strength. A very present help in trouble! Praise God! Right now, I endure many hours of distress, but I thank God that I’m able to escape into His presence, and go into the holy of holies, where I’m lifted up beyond the reach of the distress!

I praise God for carrying you, during those years when you were in deep distress! We serve an awesome God! My spirit has been stirred! God bless!

Paulette
On November 10, 2011 at 6:08 pm Pat said:

Good word Debbie!!
Love you 😀
On November 11, 2011 at 12:49 am Debbie said:

Precious Pat . . .is that you?! 🙂 Big smiles! God bless you and hold you tight in His love today. You are a treasured vessel of His! Love you too!
On November 11, 2011 at 2:03 am Debbie said:

God bless you, our Praising-Him-Paulette, as even in your distress, you thank Him. You have a very special ministry and I pray that more and more those refusing His love, will see Him through your witness, and come to know Him. love and prayers! Thank you for being here!