READ: PSALM 10:11-18; EPHESIANS 6:18; HEBREWS 4:14-16

I accidentally tapped “emergency call” on my phone today. Immediately, I felt my heartbeat speed up. I had never done that before, and I wasn’t sure what it would do. Thankfully, I was able to cancel the call before it did anything, but it got me thinking…

There are people out there who are available to help us in emergency situations but who should not be bothered otherwise. We don’t want to call an emergency dispatcher just to talk or when we have a silly question that isn’t their job to answer.

God, on the other hand, is there for us in both emergencies and non-emergencies. God can be contacted at any time. He is ready to listen to us when we want to share about our day, when we’re panicking about something that’s going on, when we’re grateful for something—such as the ability to stop an accidental emergency call—or when we just need to know that someone is there.

We don’t have to worry about “accidentally” calling out to God about a situation that ends up being okay. And we don’t have to worry about the timing when we talk to Him. He is available at all hours, and He is there for all our needs. Because Jesus died and rose again to bring us near to God, everyone who has put their trust in Jesus is free to put out an “emergency call” to God, or simply talk to Him, anytime. And I am so grateful for that. • Emily Acker

• Have you ever accidentally called an emergency number? What happened?

• Who do you turn to first when things start to go bad in your life? While it’s a good idea to talk to people we trust, God also wants us to talk to Him. He loves us, and He is there for us in emergency situations and also when we just need to know that we can talk and someone will listen. Consider taking a moment to talk to God about whatever is on your mind, no matter how big or how small it may seem.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)