Psalm 120 – Distress

 March 24, 2026

Distress is extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain; a state of danger or desperate need. Desperate times result in desperate measures. But sometimes escape from distress eludes us, as in the situation in Psalm 120 – distress. What can we learn about distress from Psalm 120?

Psalm 120

Psalm 120 is the first of a series of 15 psalms of ascents, likely sung as pilgrims made the journey to Jerusalem and the temple for three appointed feasts. The writer states that he calls on God in his distress, and God answers him. Why is he in distress? Because of lying lips and deceitful tongues.

^“I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.
Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.” (1-2)

The writer then shifts from speaking to God to speaking to the one with the deceitful tongue, letting him know what God will do.

^“What will he do to you, and what more besides, you deceitful tongue?
He will punish you with a warrior’s sharp arrows, with burning coals of the broom bush.” (3-4)

A Stranger in a Foreign Land

The psalmist is also distressed because he is in a foreign land.

“The psalmist ached because he lived among the ungodly and was distant from Israel and its people. He longed for God’s shalom (peace); his enemies, who had lying lips, hated God’s shalom.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 120

He was surrounded by people who were for war rather than peace. When he spoke for peace, they responded with hostility.

“Woe to me that I dwell in Meshek, that I live among the tents of Kedar!
Too long have I lived among those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” (5-7)

Psalm 120 ends with a sigh. “So the psalm ends as with a long-drawn sigh. It inverts the usual order of similar psalms, in which the description of need is wont to precede the prayer for deliverance. It thus sets forth most pathetically the sense of discordance between a man and his environment, which urges the soul that feels it to seek a better home. So this is a true pilgrim psalm.” (Maclaren) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 120

This pilgrim psalm of ascent leaves us dangling in distress, a state many of us can relate to.

Lessons from Psalm 120 – Distress

Another short psalm that packs a wallop, Bible Hub lists ten lessons from Psalm 120, one for each verse, plus three.

When in trouble, cry out to the Lord (1). God will not fail to hear our cries. Cling to the truth in a world filled with lies (2). Trust that God’s justice will prevail (3). There are consequences to deceit (4). Long for peace – we are called to be peacemakers (5). Stand firm while living among those who oppose us (6). Continue to pursue peace even when others speak of war (7). Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 120

In addition to these seven, Psalm 120 reminds us of the importance of community, to trust in God’s ability to deliver, and maintain an eternal focus, focusing on God’s promises. The psalmist laments his isolation, reminding us of the importance of being part of a believing community. Then he focuses on looking beyond his present trials, trusting God and believing in God’s promises.

What is Distress?

As stated above, distress is extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain; a state of danger or desperate need. When in danger, we seek to escape that danger by any means possible.

But sometimes distress can be positive. “In the Bible, distress is frequently depicted as a condition that prompts individuals to seek God’s intervention and deliverance.” Topical Bible: Distress

The writer is distressed because of his living situation. Because the people around him did not share his beliefs. Not only that, but they were for war whereas he was for peace.

“This was a good discontentment. “Contentment in the place where deceit is practiced, and strife is loved, is base contentment. Men of faith must there find the distress which inspires the cry to God.” (Morgan) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 120

Much as we dislike being in distress, it can be positive if it motivates us to turn to God and resist evil. It is also better to experience distress at war and the death and destruction associated with war than to remain complacent.

Psalm 120 – Distress

There are so many reasons to experience distress. Some we can change, others we can’t. Distressed about finances? There are steps you can take to get your financial life in order. Distressed over the state of the world? While there may be steps you can take, over all there is little you can do. When in situations where you are not in control, Psalm 120 – distress, reminds us of the importance of having a community of faith and trusting in God.

Are you experiencing distress? Does this distress lead to spiritual growth? What might God be calling you to?

(For another take on this psalm, see Psalm 120: Deliver Us from Lies! – Patricia M Robertson)

This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and receive a free copy of Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series.      click here to sign up

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