No one ever wants to make a 911 call. But if anyone dials that number, help is on the way. FTMC is a hospital near my house. Late in the evening you can see the hospital sign from quite a distance away. The light is a beacon, calling all who are hurt to come in. It’s packed with staff doing their best to bring comfort, care, and kindness in what is too often unpleasant and painful circumstances. If we stopped to peek in the windows we would see nurses, doctors, volunteers, receptionists, physical therapists, and a plethora of other personnel striving to meets the needs of the hurting patients. The Life Flight helicopter can be heard above my house on an all-too regular basis. When it’s needed, you can be sure they’re coming to help.
I’m so glad God stands ready to help us too. If we dial a ‘911 prayer’, help is on the way. “God is our refuge and strength, a help always near in times of great trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 CEB) During the battles that go on and on, we can find rest as we draw near to God. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (Psalm 18:2 NLT) Despite what it may feel like, we’re never in a fight alone. In fact, it’s best to take a step back and let God handle it. “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” (Exodus 14:14 NLT) Feeling overwhelmed today? Pick up your prayer ‘phone’ and make that call, because help is on the way.
Point to ponder: Is there an area in your life where you need to ‘pick up the phone’?
Why do we waste any time worrying? Winston Churchill said he heard a story about a man who on his deathbed said he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened. Isn’t that the truth? Why do we lose sleep fretting about things we can’t change?!? Here’s a sample: We can’t change someone’s mind, we can’t make money appear in our bank accounts, and we can’t make someone do the right thing. Yet we still spend time worrying about it! Jesus said in Matthew 6:27, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” He went on to say, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Today can have its fair share of problems, so we need to address them as we are able. But let’s not waste our precious time, energy, and emotions thinking about the challenges that could happen tomorrow.