Calling Out to God

In the Bible we observe a conversation between God and mankind. God calls us to salvation (1 Corinthians 1:22-25), sanctification (1 Corinthians 1:2), and service (Matthew 28:19-20). In return, we call out to God. Scripture encourages us to call out to God, “Seek Yehovah while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near” (Isaiah 55:6)

In response to God’s calling us to salvation, we call out for Him to save us. Scripture insures us that our call will be answered, “And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32).

As we respond to God’s call to sanctification and service, we will face opposition. The god of this world seeks to distract and discourage us from obeying and serving God. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). David confirms God’s lovingkindness to those who love and serve him, “I call upon Yehovah, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:4).

God invites us to call on Him in times of trouble, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me” (Psalm 50:15). God expands on His promise in Psalm 91:14-15, “Because he [the one trusting in God] has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”

The primary way we call on God is through prayer. David demonstrated this when he 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” (Psalm 4:1). David speaks for all of us when he says, “Incline Your ear to me; in the day when I call answer me quickly” (Psalm 102:2).

God hears and answers the prayers of those show their love and reverence Him through their obedience to His commandments. The prophet warned the people, “Then they will cry out to Yehovah, but He will not answer them. Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time because they have practiced evil deeds” (Micah 3:4).

God is willing to forgive our sins and hear our prayers, “For You, Yehovah, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You” (Psalm 86:5).

Truly, “Yehovah is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). We call on God based on the truth detailed in His Word and embodied in His Son. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

Let us call on God based on His truth – Jesus.