Being Summoned by God

“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks & summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.” (Psalm 50:1 NIV).

Reading the description of creation in Genesis, I recognize first, that God summoned us “from the dust of the ground” & breathed the breath of his life into us. (Genesis 2:7 NIV). He created us in his image to give glory back to him. With this loving act, part of our design is to hear his call. We have a choice to respond.

Often, I let other things summon me, getting too much of my attention. I do not mean the important needs for my daily care, but the things that make my life unbalanced, & not always in tune with God’s best ways. Jesus sought his Father at the rising of each new day. He got the plan & the strength to undertake what was asked of him. This is my model.

I may not be called to do great things, as the world defines “great”. But I want to be in partnership with God & utilize his strength. I want to be grateful for the environment he has created for me. This is not a comparison game. Others are being called by him for different tasks & I do not want to get distracted by what they seem to accomplish – their plans are not mine. Oh, how subtle it can be. The only thing I require is to focus on how God is speaking to me.

It is not my job to summon myself! If I let it, this can lead me away – off track. Should I look towards God for his direction, he will see to it that I hear. If I seek him & he seems silent, it may mean I am to rest until his direction becomes more clear. The important thing is that I show up & I’m ready & listening!

Prayer: Lord, from the rising of the sun to its setting, the day is yours. The night is yours. I commit myself to listen & respond to your call. Then my whole day becomes “ours”. Amen.

About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.