Answer The Call

Karen

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

—Psalm 4:1

Ughhh!” I sighed as my phone buzzed that morning—again. I’d already responded to several texts and phone calls, and it wasn’t even noon yet! My mind and my heart began to race. When am I ever going to get to the bottom of my never-ending to-do list?

I glanced at my phone to see who it was this time. The number on my screen was a familiar one—that of my father. He is a retiree who has lots of time on his hands. I reasoned that, since his schedule isn’t nearly as full as mine, I could call him back later at a time more convenient for me. So I ignored his call and turned my attention back to my to-do list.

On it were many tasks, many of them mundane. But there were also some kingdom-building ministry activities: finish my Bible study lesson and pray for a friend’s operation taking place later that day. Yes, my day was full—full of people and purpose. Why, then, did I feel so empty?

My thoughts returned to the call from my father. How many times had I ignored his calls, reasoning that since his life as a retiree wasn’t packed with activity, I could easily chat with him later? But that often meant he took a place on the back burner of my life. He was waiting; I was ignoring.

It isn’t just earthly fathers who sometimes get ignored. How many times have we put our heavenly Father on the back burner because of our screaming schedules and earthly relationship demands?

Today’s verse paints a picture of our loving God who is never too busy to answer us when we call. And He not only hears and answers. He is calling. We ignore. The problem in our connection lies with us.

God is waiting and longing to have a deep, intimate relationship connection with us—one that requires we make one simple switch: we put Him at the top of our to-do and our must-call lists.

He is willing to answer, if only we will call.

Dear Lord, forgive me for ignoring Your calls to come and connect with You, free from any distractions. I’m ready now. Speak. I’m listening. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you make it a priority to answer when you sense God calling you to put down your task list and connect with Him? How can you improve in this area?