Where are you casting your cares?

From social media to self-help books, we have a tendency to find our comfort and confidence in validation from others. But where should you seek clarity when you’re feeling confounded?

As early as the book of Genesis, the Bible provides several examples and reasons why we should make it a habit to call unto the Lord. In Genesis 26, God blesses Isaac when Isaac purposefully seeks the Lord and calls on Him (26:25).

When and why should we call on the Lord? Whether you call on Him in calm and quiet, or in the midst of a great storm, the Bible provides many answers for and examples of why we should call unto the Lord.

Call unto the Lord when you have questions

We should call unto the Lord when we have questions. In Psalm 4:1, David wrote, “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.” When you’re confused or when you require clarity, call on the Lord.

Call unto the Lord when you need someone to talk to

We should also call unto the Lord when we need someone to talk to. Better than any earthly advice, being still before the Lord is one of the best ways to learn what a great listener He is, and it’s also an opportunity for us to learn to become better listeners ourselves. “Because He hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live,” wrote David in Psalm 116:2. When you call on the Lord, you’ve got a listening ear for life.

Call unto the Lord when you’re in trouble

Call unto the Lord when you’re in trouble. “Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15) Call on the Lord when you need forgiveness (Psalm 86:5), when you’re feeling down (Lamentations 3:55), when you need help (2 Sam. 22:4, Psalm 18:3). You can call on the Lord no matter where you are, even from the ends of the earth (Psalm 61:2).

Lest we think it’s all about us, it’s important to remember that calling on the Lord is about more than just our selfish interests. In 1 Chronicles 16:8 and Psalm 105:1, David says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name; make known his deeds among the people.” We read again in Isaiah 12:4, “Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.” Calling on the Lord should be done with great reverence and praise.

To whom are you committing your way?

To whom are you committing your way? When we call unto the Lord, He shows us His goodness, His forgiveness, and His abundant lovingkindness (Psalm 86:5); He relieves our distress, shows us grace, and listens to us (Psalm 4:1); He is plenteous in mercy (Psalm 86:15), He saves us from our enemies (Psalm 18:3), rescues us, honors us (Psalm 91:15), and He is good to us. We should always take care to call on the Lord first.

Originally published as “Call unto the Lord.” Minto Express, Independent Plus, Arthur Enterprise-News, Mount Forest Confederate, Walkerton Herald-Times. April 4, 2019: 6. Print. Web.