Sanctified Distress

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
- "How Firm a Foundation"

What is your deepest distress today? Do you find yourself weary? Burdened? Sick? Worried about the future? Take heart, fellow pilgrim! Our Savior will sanctify to us our deepest distress. I've been meditating on this the past few days. What does this actually mean? Well I looked up the definition for the word sanctify, and here's what I found:

1. To set apart for sacred use; consecrate.
2. To make holy; purify.
3. To make productive of holiness or spiritual blessing.

Oh how this cheers my soul!! My deepest trial is not a wasted trial. Not only will the Lord purify it and set it apart for His use, but He will make it productive. He will use it to accomplish His purposes in my life. So when I find myself particularly wrestling with trial, when the tears are escaping, and my heart is hurting, I can take courage knowing that my Savior is using even the tears and the wrestle with fear and the pain...conforming me more and more into the image of my precious Savior.

What is your deepest distress today? Oh take cheer! He is sanctifying that very distress!