How can we apply the practice of calling on God in our daily struggles? Setting the Scene “I cried to the LORD in my distress, and He answered me.” — Psalm 120:1 This opening line of the Psalms of Ascents shows an ordinary believer turning reflexively to God when trouble hits. The pattern is simple, direct, and timeless: cry out → God hears → God answers. Our calling today is to make that same pattern an instinctive part of daily life. What “Calling on the LORD” Looks Like • Speaking His Name aloud or in your heart the moment pressure rises • Choosing real words, not vague wishes (“Lord, help me navigate this conflict”) • Expecting a living Person to respond, not merely rehearsing a spiritual exercise • Persisting until peace or direction comes (Luke 18:1) Why This Matters in Everyday Struggles • God invites it: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you” (Psalm 50:15). • He promises access: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • It replaces anxiety: “Cast all your anxiety on Him” (1 Peter 5:7). • It aligns us with truth: “The LORD is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6). Common Roadblocks—and Overcoming Them 1. Doubt He’ll answer – Remember Jeremiah 33:3 “Call to Me and I will answer you.” 2. Guilt over past sin – Cling to 1 John 1:9; restored fellowship clears the way to call boldly. 3. Self-reliance – Compare the futility of human strength in Psalm 127:1 with the security of dependence on God. 4. Distraction – Set phone prayer alerts, post Scripture where eyes drift, turn commute time into prayer ascent. Practical Ways to Build the Habit • Morning first-fruit: before feet hit the floor, quietly whisper His name and invite His leadership for the day. • Scripture cue: read a psalm at lunch; turn one verse into a one-sentence cry (“Deliver me, Lord, from frustration”). • Crisis reflex: train yourself—when the email pings or child melts down—pause one breath, silently call, then respond. • Community echo: agree with a friend by phone or text, “Let’s call on Him now.” Shared cries strengthen private ones. • Night review: replay the day, noting every moment He answered. Gratitude fuels tomorrow’s calling. Promises Tied to Calling • Deliverance: “He rescued me because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19). • Salvation: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). • Peace: “The peace of God…will guard your hearts” (Philippians 4:7). • Guidance: “He will instruct you in the way you should choose” (Psalm 32:8). Living It Out: A Simple Daily Rhythm Morning “Lord, lead me.” Midday “Lord, sustain me.” Afternoon crisis “Lord, rescue me.” Evening “Lord, thank You for answering.” The psalmist’s single-sentence testimony becomes ours: call in distress, trust that He hears, watch Him answer—again and again. |
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