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.
Praying and will be praying for you, Teresa. May our gracious Heavenly Father put a hedge around your mind, heart, and situation that you will not be kept from going to church. Father, I ask that You go before Teresa and her husband and may You bless them abundantly through their time there. We know that You delight in giving good gifts to Your children. Please bless them with a church community so that they can know You better, as well as be built up and build others for Your glory. Protect them from from the evil one who wants to divide and isolate.
♥️
Happy end-of-the-day birthday, RHONDA J.!
Prayers for sweet sleep for my sweet sisters. Rest in Him… He will take care of you tonight and also tomorrow. He sees you.
Happy birthday RHONDA J❤️❤️. On this special day 2/22⭐, I wish you all the joy, blessing and happiness in the world, you truly deserve it. Thank you for being the salt-of-the-earth type of person that spreads so much love, care and encouragement to our community. Joining our she’s in prayers, especially the difficult ones. The book Lamentations fit in well for moments when life is crushing. Call & Recall – what wisdom and advice for us to keep in our imaginary toolbox… to use when life is hard. By God’s grace. May His burden be light. May the yoke be easy. Be blessed dear sisters.❤️
I’ve been touched by several of you mentioning how your adult children walked away from church, and God, during Covid. I have a confession to make…my husband and I also fell out of church during Covid. I’m thankful that God has been close to me through all this time, and I know He is with me. But the loss of community from not being in church is truly hurtful. Part of the problem is that we hadn’t really found a church home when moving here, and then Covid left us without one. I’ve been looking at the websites of various churches near us, and think I’ve found one where we might be able to feel at home. Coincidentally, it is very near our house, and is even where we vote. We are planning to attend for the first time this Sunday. Please pray that Satan will not convince me of a “reason” (excuse) not to go.
Once again, I have gained so much from our study and your comments today. I am so grateful to God for this community of women believers who share insights into Scripture, as well as share joys and concerns and prayers.
Lifting all prayers requests today, including:
TAMI C – praying that Chela will find relief from her anxiety, and start to live close to God who is the only One who brings true peace. I pray that 911 can no longer cause fear, but remind her that at the end of dialing 911 lies help. I’ve always been struck by 911 standing for both help in an emergency as well as the day of such terror.
SHARON thank you for your testimony about God calling you back to him after a period of falling away, and your reminder of Psalm 40. I had a period in my life where I fell far from God and my faith. I, too, am so thankful that even though I was running far from Him, He was always with me, waiting for this prodigal to come home.
MIA FAITH – I can’t imagine the pain you live with due to your son’s suicide. I pray God will wrap you in comfort and give you peace in your heart. I pray for your family’s mental health and the healing and peace from Him. Im thankful His mercies are new each morning.
MARI V – continuing to pray for you as you test your kindergartners.
CAROL H – I’m so sorry your son has fallen into drugs and includes your grandson in the situation. I know that your momma and grandma heart break every day this continues. I pray God will move in a mighty way to show your son the damage he is doing, not only to himself, but to his son as well. I pray he will turn to God for the strength to break this cycle and walk closely with the Lord.
ARLENE – I’m praying with you that your daughter and son-in-law will be drawn back to God after falling away during Covid. I pray He reminds them of the sweetness of a walk with Him.
KATIE – I’m praying for you and your surgery tomorrow. Mat God remove any anxiety you might be feeling, guide the surgeon’s hands to remove all traces of cancer, and for your recovery to go well.
Hello sisters, a late start today as it’s one of my Meals on Wheels delivery days. May I always remember when doubt creeps in, “I don’t know the rest of the story”. His timing is so much better than mine. Rhonda Happy birthday . Mia may you find peace. Tami prayers for Chela. Terri prayers for son and daughter-in-law that they seek help. Prayers for your granddaughter in the middle. Theresa healing prayers for Arlo, I assume surgery is over. Katie for surgery tomorrow. Blessings Rhonda, Lexi, Allison, Traci, Adrienne, JM, Danielle, Tina (but God ), Cee Gee, Erin, Kris, Mercy, Searching, Erb, Teresa D, Carol, Mari, Cheryl, Kelly, Arlene, Michelle P. I know I’ve missed some, but you are lifted in prayer too.
TERRI – my heart goes out to you with the sad situation with your son and daughter-in-law. I pray that God will show them what they’re doing to their daughter, as well as themselves. I pray He will remind them of the time when they were close to Him, serving in church, and walking in the Light. I pray for your breaking heart, that God will give you comfort, knowing He is working even when we don’t see the results yet.