You may wish there was an app for that illness but long ago God did give us apps for comfort, hope, rest and more. Vicki shares.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
Do you ever get jealous of your cell phone? I do. Recharging its power is easy. Plug it into the recharger. . . back to five bars in no time. Restoring my power while coping with illness isn’t so easy. I can’t plug myself into a wall to suck in more energy. Why hasn’t someone made an app for that?
There’s an app for everything else. There’s an app for fun or help. There are even ones to jog, cook, or teach. How did we ever function without our technology? People are constantly plugged into their mobile devices. It can be hopelessly addicting or downright dangerous (for example, one man walked onto train tracks while checking text messages).
Satellites in outer space transmit messages all around the world. Where would we be if suddenly those satellites stopped working? Disconnected and powerless.
That’s how my illness could make me feel. Shut in and disconnected. Listless and powerless. Thankfully, there’s a Biblical app for that.
Philippians 4:13 reminds me, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Joshua 1:9 reminds me, “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” I’m never alone.
God’s Word is full of life applications—free heavenly apps. There are:
Hope apps:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:1).
Rest apps:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Comfort apps:
“My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life” (Psalm 119:50).
Guidance apps:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Worship apps:
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice” (Psalm 34:1-2).
Apps about the Bible:
“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 119:97).
Everywhere I look technology reminds me to plug into the greatest power Source–God.
Prayer: Dear Father, Thank You for Your living Word. I love how You’ve provided a heavenly application for my every need. Help me rely more on Your apps than ones made by man.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/
Man-made apps and technology capture our attention. How do you turn away from them in order to spend time in God’s Word?
When I think of resting and focusing on hope and comfort the voice in my head says, “Yes, but. . . .” trying to convince me that if I don’t take care of it no one will. Sometimes this may be true and technology can certainly help us. Perhaps you are the one who needs to call and talk to your doctor about some symptoms, for example. However, I know when I put God first and prioritize resting in His presence God cuts out some of the hassles and red tape. Perhaps I can get in touch with the doctor immediately, rather than playing phone tag for three days.
I love this song, as many of you do as well, “His Eye is On the Sparrow” and this version is sung by Whintley Phipps. I am sure His deep voice will resonate with you and the message the song gives. -Lisa
photo credit: national museum of american history via photopin cc
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 