Before You Phone a Friend, Whisper His Name
I grabbed my phone to make a call. I needed some help solving an issue at work. I realized that most of the time I don't really have to look for a phone number anymore because the people that I rely on and who help me the most are already in my contacts. I assume your phone is similar. I can find the number I need in the section where I have placed "favorites." I can go to the general section of contacts, or I can just look at "recent calls." Not always, but most of the time, I have my "go to" list of people who can and do help me solve personal, family, work, legal, financial, relational, and emotional challenges or problems. They might be friends, colleagues, and professionals, but they are in my phone, and I have access to them anytime.
But here is the thing: I have access, but I don't always call them. I may need some help or an encouraging word, but sometimes I simply don't bother to make the call. I bet you are the same. Oh, sometimes I just have to, but many times I hesitate. I don't want to inconvenience or bother someone. I can just figure it out. There is something healthy about just doing it yourself. The more experience and knowledge you have, the more likely you can just handle it. But I am not sure that is the healthiest approach. The truth is we all need help. We are wired for relationship and community, and frankly, if you are a worshipper of God and a follower of Christ, then we are on mission when we offer to help one another. I think we are also on mission when we ask each other for help. The nature of a healthy relationship is give and take.
But I have a confession. Sometimes I don't need your help. Sometimes you are a crutch or maybe even a barrier to the help I really need. Or maybe I still need you and you still need me, but what we both need is to make the right first call. And neither of us have the number stored in our cell phones. But we have immediate access with just the slightest whisper of his name.
"Lord, I need you...answer me...I need to hear from you...this is bigger than me...I'm stuck, afraid I can't get this right..."
David had it right in his approach to God. The centurion did as well, and he even included his friends in the process. That's what friends do. We help each other find God, and we help each other live our lives that honor God.
So, today when you need some help, call God first, and I am happy to jump in if you need me. I know you would do the same.
Father, forgive me for the many times I run to others before I go to you in prayer. Thank you for your constant love and provision even when I don’t take time to thank you. Create in me a heart that seeks you first each day. Thank you for creating us for community. Today we ask that our communion with you flows into our relationships with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Psalms 4:1-8; Luke 7:2-7 ESV
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