First, we want an answer from God. We don't only pray to talk. We come sincerely in our need, and he hears us.

"But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness."

Bless his holy name: He heard Christ, even though he suffered. Hebrews 5:7, "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission." While the flood of wrath punished him, the bells jingled with prayer. Our holy God upon the cross was interceding for transgressors. He said, "Father, forgive them," and fully trusted his Father who punished him. We rejoice with a prayer hearing God, because Christ made the way for us.

Now, get what you need! Don't be defeated. Luke 11:8, "I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs." Don't pray in unbelief. See what you need in God's word - love for God and love for souls- and go to him, until you get it.

Don't take, "No," for an answer. Stay at the door of mercy. Honor him by believing he must give it to you, for it is promised and commanded that we'd serve him in peace, holiness, and righteousness [Luke 1:74-75].

Take the example of Christ. He cried out, so you can cry out too, not accursed, but as a son. Not without hope, but with a mediator, come to God almighty. Don't let confusion distract you. Bring everything to him.

Secondly, distress is part of Christianity.

Vs17, "Hide not your face from your servant, for I am in distress; make haste to answer me."

It's not all sweets. You can believe God, and be full of tears. Anguish can be upon you, while serving him faithfully. Look at Christ upon the cross. Never was obedience more glorious, and never was pain so severe. Christ was trusting and weeping, as God dealt with him in vengeance.

Our own death may be hard. Excruciating pain may come in sickness. We can believe God, while our hearts are broken, in total submission. Peace will come, but there's crying out in agony, and waiting.

Don't despise this, and don't be superficial. Let's not judge everything by joyfulness. God may comfort a widow at her husband's funeral, then allow her to suffer darkness and tears. He may take away an opportunity, or even a child! Tears are here, because of the curse. Thorns and thistles are normal for believers. Genesis 3:17-19, And to the man he said, “Cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field…you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” Let us believe God anyway, and take heart that he hears, when it appears he does not. He records every tear in his bottle [Ps 56:8].

Thirdly, there's no hope in man.

Vs20-21, “Reproaches have broken my heart, so that I am in despair. I looked for pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink."

Don't look to humans for soul comfort. Look to God. People can encourage us, but only he can touch the soul. Don't look for silly pleasures. Look to something more powerful, and faithful. God will help, if he's all you got. If there's no Plan B, then go to him patiently. He knows exactly what you need, which is power to obey, and deliverance from oppression. He will give for Christ's sake. He was faithful to Christ, and he will be to us.

Learn from the example of our Savior. He's our substitute and teacher.