2 Samuel, Week 20 - Day 1: Turn to God First

2 Samuel, Week 20Day 1: Turn to God FirstDevotionalWhen everything falls apart, where do you turn first? You grab your phone. You call a friend. You try to think your way out. Prayer is the last thing you try, after everything else has already failed.David was in one of the worst moments of his life. His own son had staged a coup. His most trusted advisor had betrayed him. He had every reason to panic, to strategize, to run. He prayed instead. One specific, desperate prayer asking God to act.That is not a small thing. That is a man who understood what most of us are still learning: the presence of God is not a backup plan. It is the starting point.Philippians 4:6 does not tell you to bring your requests to God once you have exhausted every other option. It says in everything, with thanksgiving, bring them to God. Every situation. Every fear. Every crisis. Before the strategy session. Before the phone call. Before the panic.You are not bothering God when you come to Him first. You are doing exactly what He made you to do. He is not waiting for you to figure it out on your own. He is waiting for you to come to Him.Whatever you are carrying today, bring it to Him now. Not later. Now.Bible VerseDo not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6–7 (ESV)Reflection QuestionWhat situation in your life right now have you been trying to handle on your own instead of bringing to God first?Quote“Prayer is the most powerful tool in your arsenal and why it is foolish for it to be the last place you turn when you have troubles and trials. It is not the last resort. It is where you should first be turning.”PrayerFather, forgive me for treating prayer as a last resort instead of my first move. Teach me to run to You before I run anywhere else, trusting that You are already at work. Amen.