READ: MATTHEW 6:8; 28:20; HEBREWS 4:14-16; 1 PETER 5:7

What number do you call in an emergency? In the United States, people call 911. In Hong Kong and Kenya, the number is 999. In Denmark, it’s 112. In many countries, there are different emergency numbers depending on whether you need an ambulance, the police, or a team of fire fighters.

When you call an emergency number, you are immediately in contact with a trained person who can get you the help you need, and they usually stay on the line with you until the professionals arrive.

Do you ever wonder why they stay on the line? They do it for a couple of reasons. First, they want you to know you’re not alone. This will help you stay calm so you can face your situation with as clear of a mind as possible. Second, they want to make sure help arrives. If first responders don’t arrive, they find out why and ensure you get the help you need.

As Christians, we are never alone. God is always with us. While He never promised us we would live a problem-free life, He did promise we would not face our problems alone (John 16:33). Through prayer, we can talk to Him any time we want. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us that, because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the grave, we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”

No matter what problems we face, we don’t have to be afraid because we know that our trustworthy God will be with us. • Melissa Yeagle

• How is talking to God through prayer similar to calling an emergency number like 911? How is it different?

• Are any problems too small for God to care about? We often think so, but the truth is God wants us to talk to Him about everything. Even the small things are important to Him—because He loves us! And even though He already knows all our needs before we ask Him, He will never “hang up” on us. Consider taking some time to talk to Him about whatever is on your mind.

In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. Psalm 120:1 (CSB)