2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”(NIV)
Today, I left my phone in the car—no big deal. I didn’t even realize it until I needed it to Google something. I tried to find it with my Apple watch but couldn’t, meaning my phone was nowhere near me. I knew I probably left it in the car. So, I called my husband from my watch, and he called me back within ten minutes to tell me he found it. However, by then, my mind started racing about all the things I may need my phone for and what would happen if it wasn’t in the car.
Suddenly, not having my phone became stressful. Before I realized it was missing, I was happily in the kitchen, cooking French toast and listening to music from our Echo. I didn’t need it then, and I didn’t need it when I was petting our dog on the couch and watching the hummingbirds come up to the feeder on the porch.
As soon as I found out it was missing, I made it a big deal and started feeling anxious. I wanted to review the grocery list and place an order for pickup, but I couldn’t. I wanted to take a picture of our dog but couldn’t. I wanted to use the calculator to double-check my math for my sourdough starter, but I couldn’t.
So, what changed? The only difference was my realization that it wasn’t nearby. The phone didn’t suddenly lose its usefulness. It was only when I needed it, and it wasn’t there, that I realized how much I rely on it in my everyday life.
As I was kind of inwardly laughing at myself, I thought of how I had previously viewed the Bible like I did the missing phone. Over the past few decades of being a Christian, there have been times when I didn’t use it, forgot about it, or simply thought that I didn’t need it. There have been seasons in life when, despite having seen and felt the power of Scripture in my life, I still neglected spending time in the Word.
Sometimes, it was because things were going well. I was content and happy with my life choices and felt that I didn’t need Biblical instruction. Other times, I did not want to be held accountable for living contrary to Biblical conviction and guidance. At times, I felt there was no use in reading the Bible since I couldn’t feel the presence of God, or I arrogantly thought I knew enough already.
Yet, no matter the reason, every time in my life when I have overlooked, disdained, or skipped my Bible time, I have felt the absence of God and the grace, forgiveness, and wisdom he gives so generously.
My missing cell phone not only reminded me of the importance of Scripture but also of some beautiful things about God.
Our phones may connect us with others, but the Bible connects us to God.
Although vast amounts of information are available at our fingertips, the Word of God is the only source that gives us everything we need—it is beneficial, reliable, and applicable!
Finally, unlike a phone that can be lost or stolen, God is always there when we call on him!
Psalm 145:18, “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (NIV)
FaithfullyRedeemedLife 