Devotional: Your First Call

When life feels heavy and you need to talk, who is your first call? When you have exciting news to share, who do want to tell first? When you’re frustrated or upset, who do you vent to? For most of us that’s probably a spouse, maybe a parent, friend, etc. My first call is typically to my mom or my husband, Matt. They’re both a blessing to me when I need to talk things out–which is often! I can count on them in thick and thin to help me process the ups and downs of daily life. I know God gives us those people who love us unconditionally and truly want the best for us–they offer advice, encouragement, and guidance. But I wonder how things might change if we made God our first call, before anyone else?

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I think of this verse often. It’s one of my favorites. It brings me such comfort to know that Jesus is ready and willing to take my burdens. He wants to take my burdens. And he wants to take yours too. His words are proof of that fact.

Over this last year I’ve learned that something really powerful happens when we spend dedicated time in prayer. It’s transformative. Jesus does exactly what He says He will do–I can literally feel comfort in my soul when I talk with Him openly and freely. Yet, despite this, I still often find myself reaching out to everyone else first before I reach out to Him. It’s a habit I’m working hard to break.

I want to encourage you to make Jesus your first call. Give it to Him. Talk to Him first, before venting to anyone else, or looking to someone for advice. If we come to Him with a humble, genuine heart, He has a beautiful way of settling our spirits, re-arranging our priorities, and giving us the comfort our soul craves.

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” Matthew 6:21

Here’s a few questions that have helped me in my prayer life over this last year:

“God, what do you want me to know about this?”

“God, what do you say about me?”

“Jesus, remind me of my identity in you.”

“God, please re-arrange my thoughts and desires to glorify you.”

“God, give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to understand your goodness in my life.”