In My Distress I Cried To The Lord Kjv

"Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!" (Plus Some Other Crying-Out-to-the-Lord Moments)

Okay, let's be honest. We've all been there. You know, there. That place of utter despair where you're pretty sure the universe is conspiring against you. And maybe, just maybe, you've let out a little... whimper.

The old King James Version of the Bible puts it so dramatically: "In my distress I cried unto the Lord." It sounds so... Biblical. So weighty. So… me on a Monday morning before coffee.

I mean, who hasn't cried out to the Lord in distress? It's practically a national pastime. Forget baseball. Crying unto the Lord is the real American pastime. Especially when…

• Your Wi-Fi goes down during the season finale of your favorite show. Seriously, Lord, what did I do to deserve this?
• You accidentally send a text meant for your best friend to your boss. May the earth swallow me whole. And also, maybe make my boss have amnesia?
• You're trying to assemble IKEA furniture. Dear Lord, grant me the strength of Samson and the wisdom of Solomon...and maybe a pre-assembled chair.

I'm just saying. Sometimes, a little divine intervention is needed. Don't judge me. You've been there too. Admit it!

And let's not pretend it's always earth-shattering stuff. Sometimes my "distress" is directly proportional to the number of chocolate chips remaining in the bag. ("Lord, please let there be at least three more...")

Okay, okay, maybe I'm being a tad flippant. I know the verse originally refers to real, deep, soul-crushing kind of distress. Like, David running from Saul distress. Job losing everything distress. Not "I can't find matching socks" distress.

But here's my unpopular opinion: maybe the Lord understands our little distresses too. Maybe He knows that sometimes, the small annoyances are just the straw that breaks the camel's back. Or, in my case, the reason I'm hiding in the pantry eating the last cookie.

And hey, if crying out to the Lord (even about a broken nail) helps you get through the day, who am I to judge? It's certainly healthier than yelling at the cat (though, full disclosure, I've done that too).

The point is, whether your distress is a major life crisis or a minor wardrobe malfunction, there's something comforting about turning to a higher power. Even if it's just to vent. Even if it's just to say, "Seriously, Lord? This again?"

So, the next time you find yourself in a state of utter despair (or just really, really irritated), go ahead. Cry unto the Lord. He's probably heard worse. And, let's be honest, He might even chuckle a little. Especially if it involves IKEA furniture.

And, on a more serious note, remember that it's okay to ask for help, big or small. Whether you're crying out to God, a friend, a therapist, or even just the internet, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. So go forth and conquer your distresses! (And maybe buy some pre-assembled furniture.)

Just maybe, try to avoid texting your boss about your lack of chocolate chips. Some cries are better left unheard. At least, by them.