Don't Forget to Call 911

My son and I often hear sirens through the walls of our home. It isn’t surprising since we live right off a main thoroughfare. Being from a small town, it used to be alarming to see the ambulance zip past or hear a fire engine blaring its air horns at an intersection. It wasn’t a common thing. Since moving to Texas, the occurrence of emergency sirens during our days has increased exponentially. I can’t say that I have gotten used to it, but it is definitely part of my current normal.

As each year winds down, I become reflective about a number of things; the topics vary. I usually think about how God has used me during the year and how I have grown. I look back at how I gave and how I served. And, I look forward in expectation of how God will continue to move in my life.

This year, my reflective journey has taken an unexpected, but not surprising turn. The past couple of years, my life has been rocked by financial struggles (that I’ve been sort of transparent about) and health issues (that I mostly don’t discuss). I believe I hide most things well. On the outside, you’ll see me smile and from those who don’t look too closely, I may look like I have it all together. As if I’m handling things well. It may be my calm demeanor, the way I carry myself, or my lack of tears that endorse the deception. But most days, I feel like I’m falling apart.

Perhaps some of it is because I tend to suffer in silence. Or, maybe I am stronger than I realize and only think I’m falling apart. I’m hopeful that it’s the peace that surpasses all understanding that keeps me functioning at the level that I am. No matter what, I often feel like I’m out in this world alone, as if I am the only person plagued with my specific sufferings. Not lonely, but alone. Voluntarily marooned on an island, unable or incapable of trusting the lifeboats, rafts, and buoys that float my way, in response to the secret heart prayers that only God can hear.

Let me be clear. I don’t want my comments about my life to be seen as a melancholy plea for help or even a woman desiring pity for the circumstances of her life. I want to speak to all the women like me, who suffer internally.

For someone like me, who tends to hold things inwardly, where does one go for emergencies? For rest? For shelter? For safety? When you doubt you can trust the world and there seems like there is no where to turn, how do you find help?

911.

While preparing this post, I did a little digging into how 911 became the national emergency number. It’s not an incredibly interesting story, but a necessary one. According to 911.gov, in 1966, “the National Academy of Sciences published a report called "Accidental Death and Disability: The Neglected Disease of Modern Society.” It told a tragic story of how accidental death and injury, particularly from motor vehicle crashes, had become an epidemic in the United States. A couple of years later, the first 911 call was made and it took off from there.

911 is a wonderful resource that we have in this country. The emergency responders who are dispatched when people dial those 3 numbers are a vital part of our society. But we can’t pick up the phone when our spirit is crushed. First responders won’t be dispatched when we grieve a loss. The police won’t come when the brawl that’s taking place is within you. And firefighters can’t help you when you’re trapped inside your own thoughts.

No. Our 911 can’t do much for the spiritual battles that rage in the earthly and heavenly realms. But that spiritual 911? It’s a game changer.

Psalm 91:1 says, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” You may be wondering how this helps you in life’s emergencies. Well, let’s break it down.

●      He who dwells in the shelter of the most High- when we dwell, we live in God’s presence. We are safe, secure, and shielded from hurt, harm, and danger. To be sheltered can also signify being rescued and being covered- not by houses created by man, but by God’s eternal shelter that does not erode, decay, or fall apart. And if I may surmise, the most High God who allows us to dwell in the shelter of His presence has the capacity to nourish and carry us while we rest in His consistent, trustworthy, and everlasting care.

●      Abide in the shadow of the Almighty- when we abide in his shadow, we have proximity. I love the idea of a shadow. We have to be close to be in someone’s shadow. This means we are close to God. Close enough to grab and hold on to. Close enough to whisper to and love on. Close enough to protect. 

911 is the answer for so many things, my Friend. On earth, it helps us in times of crisis. But as a child of God, 911 is more than an emergency response system. 911 reminds us to whom we belong. 911 guarantees peace and protection. 911 boasts safety and confidence in the Almighty God. 911 provides a resting place that no other corner on earth can give. 911 is consistent because our God who is the shelter does not have delayed timing, nor does He take time off. 911 shows us God is dependable and steadfast in his love.

So, my dear Friend, the next time you have a moment when life is “life-ing,” and all the things feel like (or are actually) falling apart. Consult 911.

Prayer- God. Our Father, our friend, our confidant. I thank you for being the safe place. I praise you for being the consistent God who cares for us. The God who carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. The God who offers us rest and proximity when we abide in your shadow. Thank you for showing us that 911 gives us so much more than we ever imagined. Cradle us in your arms today. Allow us to dwell in your shelter as we abide in your shadow. And we will be careful to give your name all the praise, all the glory, and all the honor, forever and ever. Amen