I called up my friend, bursting with news to share.

“Guess what?” I blurted out as soon as she answered.

“Sorry, I’m on the other line,” she replied, cutting me off.  “Can I call you back?”

So I called another friend. No answer. Finally, I called my husband.

“I’m in the middle of something right now,” he said, rather curtly. “I’ll get back to you later.” 

Three attempts to share what was on my heart… all to no avail. 

Then, as if remembering a friend on standby, I called on the One who is always available when I want to talk.   

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge” David sang in Psalm 62:8 (NIV) about this God who listens.

I bowed my head and prayed. I told God all that was on my heart. And you know what? He listened.

Why do I not go to Him first when I have something to say? God doesn’t have call-waiting. He’s never on another line. And my prayers will never go to His voicemail or get an automated response. He’s never got something else that’s more pressing, or more important than what it is I want to share with Him. Like a Daddy eager to hear from His child, He is always listening. So why do I not tell Him first?

We often have something on our hearts we just need to share with someone. Some exciting news. Something discouraging that’s weighing us down. A bill we can’t pay. A concern for something that might happen. Who do you call when there’s something on your heart and mind that you need to share? I’ve learned from experience that if I always go to someone else, I’m eventually going to be disappointed – by their unavailability, their less-than-enthusiastic response, or maybe their lack of response altogether. 

David proclaimed in Psalm 3:4 (NIV): “I cry aloud to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain.”

Did you catch that? He isn’t on another call. He isn’t too busy to pick up the call. He isn’t distracted by another incoming call. He answers me.

As you go throughout this day, with all that comes your way, tell God about it first. Of course, He already knows what you’re about to say. But by telling Him your news first, you’re reassuring Him – and yourself – that He is the single most important One in your life. And you have a guarantee that He’s listening. 

Thank you, Lord, that You are never too busy, unavailable, or disinterested to hear from us. Thank You that, instead, Your ear is always tuned to us. Help us come to You first as You wait for us to share all that is on our hearts and minds.

Copyright © Cindi McMenamin, used with permission.

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1 Comment

18 hours ago mjb God is available 24/7 and the phone number is P R A Y E R