Encouragement for Today

May 22, 2026 Call to God TRACIE BRAYLOCK Lee en español

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 (NIV)

I was driving in an unfamiliar city when the traffic began to outpace my thoughts, and I started to panic. I was attempting to read the signs in the middle of what felt like a race. And because this story unfolded before GPS was available, I second-guessed my location and prematurely got off on the wrong exit.

As I looked for a place to ask for help, I realized I was far from my destination. There was nowhere I could stop and get directions. So I did the only thing I knew to do: call my dad for help.

He was at work more than 30 minutes away. Still, not only did he answer my call, but he also dropped everything to come to my rescue. Once he arrived, he got me back on track, telling me to follow him as he safely led me all the way to my destination.

My dread and panic turned to relief and gratitude. My father did not have to do what he did, yet I trusted that if I called, he would do everything he could to help me.

My friend, whether or not you have an earthly father who you can call on for help, your heavenly Father is always present and willing to come to your rescue.

Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”

David wrote these words after God delivered him from his enemies, and here he expressed confidence in the One who heard and responded to his cries for help. His use of “my God” emphasizes a personal relationship built on trust.

Crying out for help isn’t a sign of weakness. It acknowledges God as our Rescuer in the midst of whatever situation we’re facing.

Throughout Scripture, God invites us to call to Him:

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NIV).

“And call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15, NIV).

If you’re feeling lost, distressed, and overwhelmed by the speed of life — unsure about how to even survive your stressful situation — it’s time to pull over and call on God for help. You don’t have to stay stuck in your problems, lose any more sleep, or struggle alone to figure out where you are or how to get to where you want to go.

When we call to Him, God guides and directs us as we navigate this life, and He’s able to help us no matter what we’re experiencing. Trust that He is ready to answer and come to your rescue.

God, thank You for being one call away — ever present, merciful, and gracious — as my Refuge and Savior. Help me to seek You first in every situation, and keep my trust and confidence in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

We often call out to God on behalf of the people we love — especially our family. While the enemy tries to divide us, prayer invites the Lord’s supernatural help (with real physiological benefits too). Join Lysa TerKeurst, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, and counselor Jim Cress in this Therapy & Theology episode as they teach you how to fight for your family through scriptural prayer. Start listening now!

ENGAGE

Tracie Braylock is a holistic nurse educator, wife, mother of four, and author of Radical Relaxation. Find out more about Tracie and connect with her on social media here!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 145:18, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (NIV).

Psalm 62:8, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (NIV).

What situation in your life do you need to call out to God for help with? How has God shown up for you when you’ve called out to Him in the past?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2026 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org