Devotion 2: Nomophobia

In 1983, the world was introduced to the first commercially available cell phone. The DynaTAC 8000 hit retail shelves in 1984 at the low price of $3,995! Amazingly, this phone had a battery life of 30 minutes of talk time and only took 10 hours to charge. Fast forward over four decades, and over 95% of Americans own a cellphone, with 75% being smartphones. As our culture here in America continues to grow, become more fast-paced, and our schedules continue to fill, we have become dependent on these little devices in our pockets. 

For many of us, it is through these busy schedules that we are able to provide for our families and able to give back to God a portion of the blessing He has given us. However, in this fast-paced culture, we can often forget to take a step back and breathe. In Psalm 46:10, David writes (as God is speaking through him), “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Jesus understood what it meant to be still. Yes, He had a busy schedule during His ministry here on Earth. He was constantly traveling, speaking, healing, and He had twelve men He was discipling the whole way! However, countless times throughout the New Testament, we read of how Jesus took time to rest, pray, and remember His Father who was in control of it all. 

Nomophobia is the fear of being out of cell signal range or without our cell phones. If I am completely honest, there have been times in my life when this fear was very real. However, when I remember the words of David and the actions of Christ, that fear is taken away. Now, I am not saying that cell phones are evil and we should not have them. Being in ministry, my phone has given me the ability to pray with people who are hundreds of miles away, video chat with my missionary friends overseas, and has helped me get to Canada and back without a big, outdated map! Yet, this reminder to be still is crucial in the business of the world we live in. So, as you continue your week, I challenge you to take some time to set your phone down and truly just disconnect. Take some time to pray, rest, and remember the One who is in control. Be still.