Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:15

George Washington was for it; Thomas Jefferson was against it.

In this case, the “it” was having the representatives of the government getting involved in religion. Last week, Georgia’s Governor Perdue, on a podium outside his capitol building, took his stand in favor of prayer.

Governor Perdue wasn’t trying to take a shot against separation of church and state; he was asking the Lord to send rain upon his drought-stricken state. The Governor had already ordered water restrictions, appealed to President Bush, and started a court battle to stop the release of water from federal reservoirs.

Having exhausted all official channels, to the hundreds who had gathered for prayer, Perdue said, “It’s time to appeal to Him who can and will make a difference.” Although some of the Daily Devotion readers may think the Governor stepped over the line between the government and religion, we can come together and agree, “It IS time to appeal to the Lord who can make a difference.”

Indeed, it’s probably past time. Sadly, many of us, even those of us who grew up in the church and are well acquainted with God’s grace, often put off bringing our troubles to the Lord. There are a lot of reasons why we hold off: some don’t want to bother God about things they consider trivial; others want to tackle things on their own.

That’s not what the Lord tells us to do.

As a good Father, our Lord wants to be first. He wants to hear everything that is in the minds and hearts of His people. If they are troubled, He wants to help. If they are appreciative, He wants to receive their thanks. If they are in need, He wants, in His own time, and according to His will, to help answer that need.

That’s the offer He gives to us in today’s text: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will glorify Me.” It’s a promise that Jesus restated when He said, “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).

This is why I’m going to ask you to join your prayers with the Governor and the people of Georgia.

THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, You have told us to call upon You. Now we ask that You will send suitable rains upon the farms and cities of Georgia. Indeed, I ask that You will give people everywhere that which they need so their hearts and livelihood may be at peace and they may turn to You in gratitude. Even as I pray for others, dear Lord, I also offer up a prayer for my need: (YOUR PETITION GOES HERE) In Jesus’ Name I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 16-17    2 Timothy 2

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