Twenty years ago, I received my first cell phone as a birthday present. In all those years, I can count on one hand (okay – maybe two) the number of times I’ve accidentally left home without my phone.
A few weeks ago, I was running errands when I discovered I didn’t have my phone with me. Instant panic ensued. My thoughts ran the gamut creating a sudden anxiety attack. What if I get into a car accident? What if my car breaks down and I’m stranded? What if one of my kids needs me for something and can’t reach me?
I fiercely started praying for God’s protection. I adjusted my driving style. I obeyed every traffic related law to a T. I placed my hands at the ten and two positions and maximally focused on safe driving.
Midway through my non-stop prayer vigil, I had one of those reality gut-checks. Why did the absence of my phone force me to adjust my driving style? Why the sudden urgency to pray for God’s protection? Why was I struck with fear and panic at the thought of being phone-less?
It bothered me to think that I had placed so much trust in this small inanimate object. When had I assigned this unnatural power to something which quite frankly, can’t save me from anything? It made me think of all of the things we mistakenly put our faith in besides God.
I’ve been guilty of putting all my hope in my own abilities, my savings account or next paycheck. How many of us pin our hopes on the stock market or our 401k? We put our faith in our spouses, our parents or our education. Sometimes we trust a weight loss plan, a doctor or medicine to heal us before we put our faith in God.
It’s not that any of these things are bad. I truly believe that God can use any outside influence on our behalf and for His edification if He so chooses. We shouldn’t solely trust those outside influences though, above or before we trust God.
We’re commanded to keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (1 John 5:21). In this day and age having a cell phone is almost a necessity, especially if we’ve got kids. We would do well though, to remember that while our phones can summon help – on their own, they cannot save us. Only Jesus can save us.
And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you. Psalm 39:7 (NLT)
Perhaps a faith exercise isn’t such a bad idea. Try leaving your phone at home for a few hours and see if you too might have a bad case of phone-y faith. Where does your faith come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (NLT)
Blessings in Christ,
Kathy K.
Love this I have done the same as I am sure all of us have. I am GOING to leave the phone at home. Back in the day we had phones on the wall with a cord attached and all turned out well.
Kelley
I agree. I can’t believe how phones have changed family dynamics across America. We all stare down and don’t talk to each other.
Thank you sister for the reminder sister! I love this scripture – My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2 (NLT)!
Thanks for the reminder to have a more “direct” line to the Only One Who really helps anyway.
How true Kathy. Very well stated. Thanks for the reminder. God is the Provider!
I LOVE being without my phone! This is so true!
Oh, Kathy, birthday girl! I LOVED this post!!! The scripture at the end brought tears to my eyes. It’s so true, our only true hope comes from the Lord. I had to laugh about the panicky feeling of not being able to be reached by one of our kids in case of an emergency. I mean, WHAT WOULD THEY DO WITHOUT US? LOL I guess God is able to take care of them just as well as He can take care of us. After all, He is the Almighty, not me… nor my precious cell phone. Happy birthday! (an early wish, in case I forget this year, like I usually do)
I hate it when friends have their phones out during a breakfast or lunch. But I lack the guts to say something. Emergency call is one thing, but if you don’t have an hour for me, I tend to feel dismissed. I even have a friend who takes her calls when we meet. And I love her. You’d think I’d have the courage to speak up. Ugh. But I don’t. Thanks for letting me vent. Don’t even get me started on college kids and cell phones.
Being without a phone out and about on the road does offer a sense of panic. When I have left my phone on a work day, I Facebook my kids and let them know to call me at the office; otherwise, like Gigi said above, it is quite the peaceful day!