God, Remember Our Need

Something I love about Scripture is that it’s full of patterns. Today’s readings highlight the patterns of call on and recall. They’re often linked together to instruct us on how to live by the goodness of God practically. What does it mean to call on and recall, though?

When I say “call on,” I mean the act of calling on the Lord. The psalms, Lamentations, and so many Old Testament stories demonstrate how God’s people call on Him.

I called on your name, LORD, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea. Do not ignore my cry for relief. You came near whenever I called you; you said, “Do not be afraid.” 
—Lamentations 3:55–57

It’s more than a simple prayer. It carries a deep sense of urgency—like a baby spontaneously crying out for milk. Infants have no restraint when it comes to making their needs known. Likewise, we must direct our cries for help and comfort toward our Father because He knows our needs.

Even on the cross, Jesus cried out to the Father to forgive the guilty sinners who put Him there. Whether it was for daily needs amidst intrusive anxiety or in the fight against temptations, Jesus taught that these were the occasions to cry out. And while earthly dads may sometimes be too tired, busy, or impatient to deal with all our requests, God eagerly awaits our cries and anticipates our needs.

Scripture also links calling on God with recalling about God. What does the writer say? 

Because of the LORD’s faithful love, we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! 
—Lamentations 3:22–23

Recalling God’s faithful love and salvation is our safeguard against spiritually going off the rails. I’ve had seasons where I questioned God and thought He failed to act. Then I remembered that I don’t have the whole story, but He does. He has met our greatest need for a Savior; won’t He also deal with our present troubles? 

He has initiated the ultimate rescue plan for us through His Son. He is mindful of us. As sure as the Father joyfully responds to His perfect Son, He does so for those united to Him by faith. We can call on and recall Him because God always remembers us.