6. #Whoyagonnacall?

"When there's something strange in the neighborhood - Who ya gonna call?

If there's something weird and it don't look good - Who ya gonna call?

GHOSTBUSTERS!"

Okay, all kidding aside. There have been times in all of our lives when we were (or are) in desperate need of help. In our weakness we struggle to keep ourselves afloat. We may be on dry land, but we feel as if we are drowning. Hopelessness devours us and darkness consumes any light. We may not be alone, but we may as well be. Our loved ones gather and hold out their hand, yet we are unable to grasp it. Who can deliver us from our dark pit of despair?

Who are you gonna call when you receive bad news? Who are you going to run to when your faith runs out? What substance are you going to use to fill the void?

Many will look out - then up. It's almost natural. We look for something outside ourselves. We stare into the heavens as if the "Universe" may bring us the answer or the relief we need. There is an old saying, "There are no atheists in fox holes." For when you are in the midst of the battle and being fired upon and it is dark and scary and completely hopeless... you look up - to the stars - close your eyes - and plead for help.

Sometimes there is bargaining. God, if you fix this or change that or get me out of this mess - "I will serve you!" But God is not interested in your servanthood. I know, this is not what you may have heard coming out of Church. God is interested in your salvation - not just in the great by and by, but right here and right now.

God knows our frame. He knows our frailties and weaknesses. He knows this world is - and has been - going from bad to worse. He knows you need help in this world and He is always there waiting for you to call upon Him in your times of trouble. He is not waiting for you clean up your act. He is not waiting for you to change your evil ways. He is not waiting for your Church attendance. He is simply waiting for you...

He is like the man who sits day after day at the gate waiting for his wayward son to come back home. His son has taken his father's money, left home and squandered it on all sorts of "wild living." Eventually, however, his son finds himself in a muddy pit, with no money and no friends. He decides to go back home and ask his father for work. For even his father's workers had more than him. One day as the man approached the gate, he saw a figure in the horizon. As it grew closer the man realized it was his son - HIS PRECIOUS SON!!! "Quick!" He said to his workers. "Bring the best robe! Put a ring on his finger! And start preparing a feast! My SON IS HOME!!!" His son had a memorized speech to give his father upon his return, but before he could even begin, his father threw his arms around him and began kissing him. (Luke 15:11-32)

Yes, precious one. He is waiting for you. He wants you to come home. He wants to shower you with His love and His blessings.

For... "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed a stronghold in times of trouble."

(Psalm 9:9-10)

"God is our refuge and strength an ever present help in trouble"

(Psalm 46:1-3)

"They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, He delivered them out of their

distress." (Psalm 107:13)

"Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

(Psalm 34:10)

"Cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for you."

(1st Peter 5:7)

So, dear one, if you should find yourself in times of trouble... who ya gonna call?

"Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will deliver you" (Psalms 50:15)

"Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

(Acts 2:21; Joel 2:23; Romans 10:13)