Genesis 4:26b At that time people began to call on the
name of the Lord. (NIV)
I don’t know how many
times in my life that I’ve called on the name of the Lord, but I’m thankful for
God’s gracious response when I’ve needed reassurance, guidance, deliverance,
and support. Sometimes the Lord didn’t answer me in ways that I expected, so I struggled
with those moments, but overall, when I’ve gone to God for help, the Lord has patiently
shown me what to do and graciously led me through whatever I was painfully or
fearfully experiencing.
I guess that’s what led
people way back in history to call upon the Lord. Whenever they experienced something
too big to handle or too puzzling to understand, they looked to their Creator
to give them answers. It seems to be an important part of human nature to call
on a higher power or even Supreme Being for help. I think I once read somewhere
that 92% of the world’s population still pray to God – that’s amazing and just
adds to my notion of faith in God. It means that the vast majority of people on
Earth, throughout history and up until the present day, believe in God. For me,
I find that comforting, so I will continue to call on the Lord in time of trouble
and fear, as well as in moments of gladness and celebration.
As we wander through this
new year, I wonder how many times we’ll each call on God in prayer. And how
many times will God lovingly answer our requests?
Prayer: Even now, Lord,
as we read or speak these words, we’re calling on Your Name. We’re asking for guidance
and blessings, comfort and support. Be near to us even when we wander away; be
close to us when we feel lonely or vulnerable; be real to us when reality
perplexes us. In Your Holy Name, we make this prayer. Amen.
John Stuart is a retired
pastor living in Knoxville, Tennessee.
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