Psalm 77:1-2, "I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord..."

Think

The theme song from the movie "Ghostbusters" opens with the memorable line: "If there's something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call?" Let's take that line off the silver screen and apply it directly to your life. When you find yourself in distress, who do you call? Is it a friend? Your spouse? A parent? Who do you talk to first? Asaph, the writer of Psalm 77, was commissioned by King David to be in charge of singing in the house of Yahweh. He was the original worship leader and it is clear that this worship leader was emotionally broken and spent, reaching out to God for help. Asaph's first call for help was to God. Though there were probably people around him who he relied on and went to for support, his first reaction was to go to the one who could give him the greatest help. Any person who is in the midst of a difficult trial, or who is enduring relentless suffering and emotional pain, can relate to the anguish of Asaph. But Asaph did not simply wallow in his pain, he took action. Prayer to God was his first response, not his last resort. How about you? What do you need to take to God today?

Act

Making prayer your first response and not your last resort is an act of your will. It is building a new discipline in your life. Write down the word "prayer" on several pieces of paper. Strategically place these paper reminders in places you frequent every day.

Pray

Heavenly Father, you are my help in times of trouble and I need help right now! Please give me the wisdom and the fortitude to navigate successfully through this difficult time. Amen