By Rebekah McCloud
Recently I read some interesting data. The US has the largest Christian population in the world. Nearly 71% of Americans identify as Christians. I also read that there are over 310 million smartphone users in the US. There are diehard iPhone users and equally diehard Android users. Some treat their phones like an appendage and take it everywhere they go. Others use it when needed. Some are T-Mobile subscribers and others are AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, Metro PCS subscribers or utilize some other service. No matter the make of our phone or our service provider, cell phones are a fact of life. Most people use them daily. Many would be lost without one. Question: what if we used God like we use our cell phone?
When we have an emergency or need help, we dial 911. That call dispatches police, fire, and emergency personnel. What if in addition to 911, we dialed G-O-D? The Bible says in Psalm 50:15, “Call to me when trouble comes, I will save you.” Psalm 145:18 tells us that, “The Lord is near to all who call on him.” Finally, Romans 10:13 assures us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in our time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Remember, when we dial 911 to also call God. He’s on the main line, call him up and tell him what you want.
When we want information or knowledge, we dial 411, ask Google, Siri, or Alexa. Try asking G-O-D. His information and knowledge will transform our lives. Romans 11:33 proclaims, “Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!” James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously. Proverbs 13:13-14 tells us that, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” Google opens a world of knowledge to us. But nothing beats God’s seven gifts of knowledge: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and the fear of God (Isaiah 11: 2-3).
When we need help navigating, we use the GPS on our phones. It gives us step by step directions from point A to point B. When we call on G-O-D, he will teach us the way to go (Psalm 32:8), guide us continually (Isaiah 58:11), make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6), and direct our steps (Proverbs 6:9). The word of the Lord is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 32:8). Although GPS is not always 100% accurate, God is. Psalm 37:2-3 tells us that, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the ones who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fail, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
While for most of us, cell phones are part of our daily use, let’s not forget to use God daily. We do that through reading his word, praise and worship, gratitude, kindness, and prayer. Guaranteed, at the end of the month there will not be a bill. God is free to all. The Lord stands at the door and knocks (Revelations 3:20). Open it and let him in. Utilizing G-O-D in addition to 911, 411, and GPS is just the beginning of what God has in store for us. Oh, the places we will go; eyes have not seen, nor ears heard.