Talk To God
By Kathy Troccoli
“Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” (James 4:8, NIV)
I woke up in a sweat this morning. Immediately, I felt my heart filled with devastation and disbelief. I shook off my sleep, but the pain in my soul let me know that I was still living through the nightmare of last night as if it were reality: Beth Moore had died! She was in a tragic car accident. The Lord’s people were grieving everywhere. It was all over the news, and many Americans were hearing about this beloved Bible teacher for the very first time. My phone was ringing off the wall, and I could hardly talk to anyone.
I could not control my tears as I reached for the phone. It was very early in the morning and I didn’t even consider the time.
“Beth… it’s Kath,” I could hardly get her name out of my mouth.
“What?” Beth asked. “What’s wrong?”
There was such panic in her voice.
“Beth, I had to hear your voice. I dreamed this horrible dream,” I was sobbing. “You were in this accident; you were killed; it was just awful. It was like when Princess Diana died. You could feel the grieving of God’s people. I couldn’t picture you gone.”
That sweet Southern accent interrupted me to soothe my broken heart.
“I hate that Devil!”
I let out a laugh in the midst of my hysteria.
“Oh, Kathy, I’m here. I’m fine and I want you to know that I wear my seatbelt all the time.”
After tenderly assuring me that all was well, she began talking to Jesus and the gook of the oppression began to peel off of me layer by layer. God was right there in our midst, soothing, comforting and settling my aching soul.
Since I dedicated my life to Jesus in 1978, I am still amazed that I can call on Him, any time, any place, anywhere – just like that day on the phone with Beth.
I love that we don’t have to wait until He gets home and listens to his voice mail. We don’t have to wonder if he will check his e-mail. We don’t have to send him an overnight delivery. He is ever-present. He is there when we call. Listening, loving and leaning in our direction.
That is why I call it a Celebration: Talk to God. How simple is that? He doesn’t want it to be complicated. Simply talk to the One who knows you best and has the best for you in mind.
This Week
Talk to God more than usual. Tell Him the simple things about your daily life and ask Him to guide you through your routine.
Prayer
“Lord, thank you for always being there when we talk to you. Hear my heart and help me know you better.”
Taken from the audio/video series Seven Celebrations for the Soul by Kathy Troccoli.
