I live alone with two cats. None of my family live near by. I also work out of my house as a writer. So, when I took a slight tumble on the stairs, it was enough to jolt my security. If I fell, who would come to my rescue? I could lie there for days and days. Since I travel to speak and vend my books, if I didn’t show up at church people would assume I was on the road again, as Willie sings. I figured I had to choices – train my cats to paw 9-1-1 on my phone, or get a medical alert panic button.
I wear it around my neck when I am at home. It is small and tucks neatly inside my bra so the cats don’t bat at it, thinking it is a toy, and set it off – as they did once. I have a hook next to the garage, so when I leave, I hang it there. When I return, I slip it back around my neck. It is wirelessly connected to a monitor on my desk. Once a month the test button flashes. I push it, and a calm voice answers on the other end asking if I need help. I tell them it is a test. They reset it, verify my address and remind me they are there 24/7 if I need help.
You see where I am going with this. In my prayer life, I do not need to wear a panic button. I have God’s spirit living inside me 24/7. I have instant access to the throne, whether I am in a panic, feeling full of praise, or need warm arms to hold me. It is not something I have to put on, then take off. I don’t need to test it to see if it is working properly- though, I admit at times I do.
When Jesus was about to leave this a earth and ascend in to Heaven, He promised that he would be with us all until the end of the age. He said He would send a Comforter, and He did. As soon as I accepted Him into my life, the Holy Spirit took up residence. I am never alone. I don’t need a panic button- in fact, I don’t need to ever panic at all.
Now, about this medical alert I wear around my neck- at first I was constantly aware of it’s presence. The, it became more like a part of me – second nature. I’d forget I had it with me. There are times I feel that way about the Holy Spirit. When I first dedicated my life to Christ I felt His Spirit with me so closely it was as if He was sitting on my heart. After a while, I would forget He was there – until I needed Him. To be truthful, I still do that. Perhaps that’s okay. I know He is with me at all times. I know God is in control and nothing is going to happen to me that He does not already know about, and did before time began. I am not a minuscule speck in time, but His beloved child- as are you. He is there when we need Him, and even when we feel we do not.
Lord, help me to realize more and more Your presence in my life. Amen
