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True confession: When something goes wrong, my first thought is very seldom, “I must tell Jesus.” I’m inclined to track down my husband, because I must tell him. Or pick up the phone (what old people do instead of texting) and tell my girlfriend. Or, if no two-legged listener is available, explain it all to the cat.
I mean, I do eventually get around to talking it over with Jesus. In the meantime, He’s sittin’ up there in heaven wondering when I’m going to get around to discussing my problem with Him. Why do I take my cares and sorrows to my Savior as a last resort?
Okay, another true confession: It could have something to do with an unhealthy level of pride and independence. Though I treasure the wisdom of key people in my life, I’m not necessarily looking for advice or help, something my husband has learned over the past 25 years. I’ve got this! I just want to “vent,” – ergo the one-sided diatribes with the feline.
It’s nice to have a flesh and blood sounding board, right? And there’s nothing wrong with that. We are commanded to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2); to “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15); and to “encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). God intentionally gave us other people to journey through life with.
Still, God wants us to come to Him first. He wants us to discuss it with Him before we take it to an earthly being. Other people can listen and offer their insights, their comforting words, or their timely advice. But God alone has the power to bring divine light to our troubles. Only Jesus has the power to give rest to our souls. Only the indwelling Spirit can direct us along God’s path and apply God’s Word to our hearts and minds. Only our faith in our Heavenly Father can protect us from Satan’s fiery darts.
The bottom line? I must tell Jesus. Not last – first! Jesus is my Lord. He deserves preeminence in my life. He is worthy of my honor and trust.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
When I bypass my Creator, my ongoing source of life, I cut myself off from the one who loves me the most, understands me the best, and can see the things no human can see. Since I am a child of this omniscient, omnipotent King of kings, there’s no rational reason not to sit at His feet and tell Him all about it.
I love the Lord, because He hears my voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
– Psalm 116:1-2
Maybe this isn’t a struggle for you. You already take your cares to God first. But if you share my tendency to talk to everyone else first, let’s ask God to help us cultivate the heart of this songwriter:
“I must tell Jesus, all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own.”
(I Must Have Jesus, Elisha Hoffman)