David's distress probably has more to do with some natural calamity than with many foes, like Absalom and Ahithophel, attacking him.¹ In Scripture, the word distress applies to all sorts of trouble in one’s life. To give one example, distress is the word Job uses to describe the anguish and bitterness of his spirit and soul after losing not just his flocks and herds and camels but also his children (Job 7:11). So, distress can come upon you by some natural calamity or plague that is entirely out of your control. Distress is what you experience when you lose a loved one before their time—as Job did. Distress can also come upon you because of some personal sin you are harbouring in your heart, refusing to let go or confess to God. But whatever distress and trouble we find ourselves in, we can rest assured that as God’s people it will not last forever.

That is the way our righteous God always works! He allows distress to come upon us when we harden our hearts in sin. He allows hardships to sweep over us even when we are faithfully serving him at times (as he did with Job). But reflect on your life for just a moment. How many times has God ever left you there alone in your distress, in your sin, in your misery? Has he ever completely forsaken you? No. Oh, at times it may feel like he has, but those with the eyes of faith realize that God sustains us even in our darkest hours and deepest moments of distress. Yes, a careful reflection on our lives will prove that the words of Psalm 4:1 ring true still today. You have given me relief when I was in distress.