GOD’S STRENGTH IN DISTRESS

“For You have been a STRENGTH to the poor, a STRENGTH to the needy in his DISTRESS, a refuge from the storm...” – Isaiah 25:4a

We who have received Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord are entitled to GOD’S STRENGTH in OUR DISTRESS: “For You have been a STRENGTH to the poor, a STRENGTH to the needy in his DISTRESS, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall” (Isa.25:4). This chapter, as a song of praise, reminds us of the need to always acknowledge and appreciate the many ways in which God’s divine Power works in our lives. It most likely describes the deliverance of the Jews out of captivity. Distress describes a state of agony, misery, or suffering. Jesus in Gethsemane was the picture of Distress showing us that God hears our prayers, sees our distress, and responds in His Strength and Power.

In a literal sense, the poor and the needy were the helpless captive Jews who had been stripped of their wealth, and carried from their homes, and confined in Babylon. In a spiritual sense, the Lord is the Strength or stronghold of defence to: those who are passing through adverse circumstances, times of desertion, depression, bodily, emotional or mental afflictions; and those facing persecution from the enemies of righteousness. The Lord strengthens their hearts by His Spirit, His promises, His Word and ordinances. He increases His grace in them and sheds abroad His love in their hearts. The Lord protects the faithful followers of Christ from the insolence of oppressors. He ever was, and ever will be, the Refuge of distressed souls.

The fierceness of the oppressor is represented by the intolerable heat and the fierce tornado of an eastern storm, dashing against the wall, threatening it with destruction. But no matter the storms that life throws at us, the heat of the pressure we experience and the driving rain of merciless persons and all they bring against us, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or physically, we can run to the Lord – our Rock, our Refuge, our Shade, and our Shelter. He is like a rugged Rock that we can run into and be safe. We can hide in Him while the storm passes. He knows out distress and deepest heartaches, and can bring us through, comforting and strengthening us with His wise and tender words.

The Lord is our Refuge from the storm – the tempestuous rain or overflowing flood of persecution or vengeance. He is our place of safety (Dt.33:27). He overshadows us when we go through the heat of trials, causing us to bring the sacrifice of praise and to know the peace that transcends understanding, even while under pressure. God’s strength shows up best in the weak. He surrounds and supports us as a father would shield his child from danger or harm. The Lord is our shade for refreshment and rest, a protection from scorching beams. There is nowhere else to go. When we have God as the Rock, Refuge, Shade, and Shelter; in Him is the only secure place to be. He will not fail us, let us down, or let us be moved.

Notwithstanding the pervading social injustice and poverty in the world, God’s Word affirms Him to be the faithful Deliverer of the poor and the surest Succourer of the needy:

“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the need, now will I arise,” says the LORD…” (Psa.12:5).

“LORD, who is like You, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?” (Psa.35:10).

“He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, and will break in pieces the oppressor” (Psa.72:4).

Ultimately, our God: “will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever, And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces” (v.7-8). Rather than brood over distress, let us turn our gaze on the Lord who is our Strength, our Rock, our Refuge, and Redeemer!