“I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3)

Amazing concept, this mysterious gift of an invitation to call on God whenever we desire.

We have no access to presidents or kings. Queens do not lend us their ear, executives would hardly recognize our number. And yet, the King who is Creator beckons us toward him, makes the way for us to approach, welcomes our words, our cries, our praise.

We are allowed to request help or just talk. Alone with the Lord, we are able to share our hearts, to bless his name, to praise his goodness, to worship his majesty, to rest in his presence, to plead for what we need. We call to him with the confidence of a child to a responsive parent, like a hungry beggar who inhales the distinct aroma of bread and recognizes that source of life is near.

We call out desperately like a drowning victim in the midst of the sea to the captain on the vessel close by. We call like a stranded driver on the side of the road who cannot make it down the highway without assistance. Like a wounded patient, we call to the physician with healing in his hands. In the manner of a soldier on the front lines or a first responder battling an inferno, we call for rescue and await reinforcements’ arrival.

Our Lord promises to save us from our enemies on every side. Fear prowls like an adversary to paralyze and bind. Pride moves in as ferocious foe to blind us and hinder our growth. Unforgiveness and bitterness are enemies that suffocate and destroy. Jealousy and envy padlock our hearts like enemies, too. Robbers, stealers, cripplers all, and God is Savior from their beastly hold.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears…He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me” (Psalm 18:6, 16-19).

Prayer

Father, thank you for always welcoming us to share our hearts with you. Thank you for knowing our needs before we even present them, and thank you for your gracious love that draws us close to your side.

Elizabeth A Mitchell

Photo Credit: Timothy Eberly on Unsplash