First Response or Last Resort?
First Response or Last Resort?
David was a man of prayer. The Psalms reveal his unfiltered cries to God—his praises, laments, and confessions. He was never ashamed to call upon the Lord, nor did he hesitate to bring his struggles before him. This posture of seeking God first reflected his deep trust. Psalm 121:1–2 captures this dependence: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (NIV). David did not look to his own strength, military power, or human wisdom for ultimate security. He knew that true help comes from God alone.
I remember a time when my first response to a headache was to pray. When I struggled to focus, I asked God for clarity. When I felt pain, I sought his healing before doing anything else. But somewhere along the way, my habits changed. Now, I instinctively reach for Tylenol. I rely on coffee to clear my mind before I remember to ask for wisdom. I schedule a doctor’s appointment before I pray. Of course, when a situation feels dire—when all other options fail—I turn to God. But should God be my last resort instead of my first response? This shift in my habits made me reflect: what does my first response reveal about where I place my trust?
God searches our minds and hearts—the very core of our thoughts and emotions. He knows whether we truly trust him or if our reliance on him has become merely verbal. Having abundant resources does not mean we no longer need God; rather, it presents a challenge to our dependence on him. God is not against medicine, science, or human wisdom—after all, every good thing comes from him (James 1:17). Nehemiah, for instance, used the resources of a pagan king to rebuild Jerusalem, yet his first response was always prayer (Nehemiah 1:4–11). Our challenge is not choosing between faith and action but ensuring that faith informs our actions.
How can we cultivate this habit of seeking God first? Or rather, why should we? As Christians, we confess that God is the source of our existence, our provision, and our help. But confession alone is not enough—it must be lived out in our daily choices. To put God first is to call upon him before doing anything else. It does not mean rejecting the blessings of medicine or human knowledge but recognizing that they are secondary to our ultimate reliance on God.
God is first—the first of all. Let us acknowledge him as our help, guide, and source in all things, before turning to anything else, regardless of the size of our problems. God is the first I call, my spiritual “911.” Who is on your speed dial?
Reflective Questions:
What do my first responses in difficult situations reveal about where I place my trust?
How can I develop the habit of seeking God first while still using the resources he provides?
In what areas of my life have I unintentionally made God my last resort instead of my first response?