Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder. (Psalm 107: 13-14)

In this psalm four very different causes of distress are described. In each case those in trouble, "cried to the Lord."

The Hebrew for this cry is za'aq. It means to call out, to summon, and to join.

When we are in trouble we are to invite God into our troubles and to join with God in confronting the cause of our distress.

In joining with God - sharing the same intent and seeking the same outcome - we are promised deliverance and liberation.

To receive God's love we must invite it and share it.