1 LET God, who comforts the distrest,
Let Israel's consolation hear!
Hear, Holy Ghost, our joint request,
And show thyself the Comforter,
And swell the unutterable groan,
And breathe our wishes to the throne.
2 We weep for those that weep below,
And burdened, for the afflicted sigh;
The various forms of human woe
Excite our softest sympathy,
Fill every heart with mournful care,
And draw out all our souls in prayer.
3 We wrestle for the ruined race,
By sin eternally undone,
Unless thou magnify thy grace,
And make thy richest mercy known,
And make thy vanquished rebels find
Pardon in Christ for all mankind.
4 Father of everlasting love,
To every soul thy Son reveal,
Our guilt and sufferings to remove,
Our deep, original wound to heal;
And bid the fallen race arise,
And turn our earth to paradise.
If teachers became their students!
Let God, Who Comforts The Distrest Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on April 20, 2022, as part of the album titled 'If teachers became their students!', this particular recording presents a powerful, enduring hymn from the vast collection penned by Charles Wesley, a figure central to the spiritual awakenings of the 18th century. Wesley, renowned for his theological depth captured in verse, wrote this hymn during a time when he and his fellow Methodists often faced significant opposition, misunderstanding, and personal trials. His hymns frequently arose from deep introspection on Scripture and the lived experience of faith amidst difficulty. The core meaning of this song is a direct affirmation of God's specific and active role as the one who provides comfort to those who are troubled and suffering. It is a message rooted in the unwavering conviction that God is not distant from human pain but intimately involved in bringing solace.
Analyzing the hymn's message reveals a profound understanding of both human vulnerability and divine faithfulness. It speaks directly to the experience of being "distressed" – a state of deep sorrow, anxiety, or affliction. In moments like these, when earthly sources of help seem insufficient or absent, the hymn directs our focus entirely upward. It posits God not merely as a potential helper, but as the definitive, designated Comforter. This resonates deeply with scriptural truth; consider how 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 describes God as "the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction." The hymn doesn't just state that God *can* comfort, but that He *is* the one who comforts the distressed, positioning this attribute as part of His fundamental nature. This perspective encourages a complete turning towards God in times of need, aligning with the psalmist's plea, "My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!" (Psalm 119:28), finding resilience sourced from divine promise.
The power of this hymn lies in its theological precision and its pastoral application. It doesn't offer simplistic platitudes but points to the very character of God as the ground for hope in suffering. When facing overwhelming circumstances, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, the hymn prompts a declarative act of faith: *Let* God, who is the Comforter, perform His nature in this moment. This is not a passive waiting but an active trust, a release of control into the capable hands of the divine. This mirrors the call in Philippians 4:6-7 to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The comfort God provides, as depicted in the hymn and Scripture, is multifaceted – it can be peace in the storm, strength to endure, clarity in confusion, or the assurance of His presence. Just as Isaiah 40:1 calls out, "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God," the hymn serves as a personal reception of that divine mandate, inviting us to receive the solace God freely offers. It is a timeless reminder that in every form of distress, our ultimate refuge and the source of true, lasting comfort is found in turning towards the One whose very identity is bound up with compassion and restorative grace.
