Psalms 120:1
In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
Psalms 120:1
Psalm 120 begins a trilogy of ascent Psalms that express distress over hostile speech and a plea for deliverance. “In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me” communicates a personal, urgent petition to a listening God. In ancient times, distress could be social, political, or spiritual—yet prayer remains a consistent response. The shift from trouble to hearing highlights God’s attentiveness to the faithful, even amid enemy rhetoric.
Hearing in prayer is a theological anchor: God is responsive, not distant. This verse sets the tone for a psalmist who relies on divine listening as the basis for subsequent confidence that God will intervene against deceit and hostility. It emphasizes a relationship where communication with God is the primary source of hope.
When you’re overwhelmed by pressure or hostile speech, start with a simple cry to God. Write down what distress you’re facing and remind yourself that God hears you. Then identify a tangible next step—talk with a trusted friend, set healthy boundaries, or pray for wisdom in responding to critics. This practice reframes survival into conversation with God who hears.
Cross-References: Psalm 4:1; Psalm 34:15; Psalm 145:18; 1 Peter 3:12; Isaiah 58:9