Calling on Jesus

By: Kate Mead I really like the book of Psalms because it shows a range of human emotions and responses while demonstrating God’s sovereignty and goodness to His people. Often we hear from David about his hardships, his cries for help, God’s answer, and David’s praise of God. 

“God, hear my cry; listen to my prayer. I call to you from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me; for you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy. I will dwell in your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of your wings” 

(Psalm 61:1-4) 

When we are overwhelmed or weak, we should bring our struggles, worries, fears and anxieties to Him because He is our shelter and we can find rest in him. When He feels far away, bring yourself to Him in prayer as David did over and over. 

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“Then I will continually sing of your name, fulfilling my vows day by day.” 

(Psalm 61:8) 

Not only did David go to God, God pulled David out of whatever struggle he was in, AND David shared his story while worshiping God. 

We continue to see this pattern throughout the book of Psalms as David calls upon the Lord, God answers, and then David worships God and shares His word. 

“Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my pleas for mercy. I call to you in the day of my distress, for you will answer me” (Psalm 86:6-7). 

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“I will praise you with all my heart, Lord my God, and will honor your name forever” (Psalm 86:12).

“I waited patiently for the Lord, and he turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and they will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).

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“I do not keep my mouth closed - as you know, Lord. I did not hide your righteousness in my heart; I spoke about your faithfulness and salvation; I did not conceal your constant love and truth from the great assembly” (Psalm 40:9-10).

“I always let the Lord guide me because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. → Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely” (Psalm 16:8-9).

“I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:3). “I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears” (Psalm 18:6). “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he pulled me out of deep water” (Psalm 18:16). 

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“Therefore I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord; I will sing praises about your name” (Psalm 18:49). 

Takeaways: 

1. When you are stressed or anxious —> call to God in prayer. If this wasn’t important, it wouldn’t be stated clearly and repetitively in the book of Psalms. David shows us that God will answer, so we can rest securely in knowing God hears our cries and pleas for help. 

2. Praise God and share your story. If God helped you through or pulled you out of a pit, share that story. David always worshiped and shared what God did for him. For David, many times this was through song, but you can share your story and God’s goodness in many ways. You never know what someone else is going through, so you never know the impact your story may have on someone else’s life.

When thinking about David’s struggles and his praise of the Lord, I think of this song by Hillsong United: 

“Highlands” 

“So I will praise You on the mountain

And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way

You’re the summit where my feet are

So I will praise You in the valleys all the same

No less God within the shadows

No less faithful when the night leads me astray

You’re the heaven where my heart is

In the highlands and the heartache all the same”