My journey this week concerns how we deal with emergencies. The word itself causes us discomfort and points to an immediate need of help. The Red Cross has a list for types of emergencies and tips for preparedness steps you can take on their website. In San Marcos, we have faced true emergencies due to flash floods, winter storms, the Coronavirus and highway safety. As in Aesop’s story of the Ant and the Grasshopper, having been forewarned is forearmed. Some folks work on disaster preparedness prior to the next such crisis, and others just “forget about it.” They end up in the same predicament again. Then they call 9-1-1. That three-digit telephone number is used universally in the United States as the reporting method for crimes, accidents and medical emergencies. We can be grateful for this fast and easy access to help when we are in crisis. Be aware that both Hays County and the city of San Marcos have Emergency Management offices. The Hays Informed blog provides a one-stop, coordinated information page designed for real-time emergencies.
This leads me to share a list of “emergency numbers with direct access for spiritual help.” I recommend you keep a copy of it in your Bible:
When in sorrow call John 14
When men fail you call Psalm 27
When you have sinned call Psalm 51
When you worry call Matthew 6:19-34
When you are in danger call Psalm 91
When God seems far away call Psalm 139
When you faith needs stirring call Hebrews 11
When you are lonely and fearful call Psalm 23
When you grow bitter and critical call I Corinthians 13
When you feel down and out call Romans 8:31
When you want peace and rest call Matthew 11:2530
When the world seems bigger than God call Psalm 90
When you want Christian assurance call Romans 8:130
When you want courage for a task call Joshua 1
When dealing with fear call Psalm 347
When seeking security call Psalm 121:3
When discouraged about your work call Psalm 126
When people seem unkind call John 15
When you want the secret to happiness call Colossians 3:1217
PLEASE NOTE: All of these verses may be found easily online, just punch them in your google, and the entire verse will pop up to give you help. Or look them up in your handy Bible.