Most people only pick up the phone when they are in need. They don't utilize their time to have conversations with the person on the other line to learn anything about them. To see if they need anything or if they can use a little support. They expect you to reach out and ask for what you need. I get it; a closed mouth doesn't get fed. However, when someone is in tune with you, they know what you need. When you have a relationship with them, they don't have to ask; they will go out and get what you need and be spot on. You can't get that from conversations with no substance. You can't get that through casual parties in passing. You must be dedicated. You must spend time. It would be best if you were in tune, wanting to support and comfort others. You must have compassion and empathy. You can't be selfish. Isn't that what we want for ourselves, for people to know who we really are and to offer without having to ask?
Let's think about this, how many times have you laid in bed crying about your business, health, children, parents, marriage, or relationship, wishing the phone would ring and someone notices you are not in an adequate space and OFFER some help? Offer some comfort? How about wanting someone to stop by to watch a movie and chill? How about someone stopping by to make you laugh and go on about their day? Most days, it will be just what the doctor ordered. How many times have you sat on the phone with tears rolling down your eyes helping others, and they not even notice you need help yourself? Stop and take the time to think about this. I am sure some of us are missing a whole lot of marks with this.
The questions for today to ask yourself are:
Am I in tune or selfish?
( Pick five friends, not family, spouse, or children) What are these five people in need of that I may be able to assist?
Have I call these five people in the last five months and not asked for anything but given something in each of those five months?
How many times have these five people cried? Do they even trust me with their tears?
Who have I comforted/ supported and entirely been in tune with in the past two years ( not family, spouse, or children)?
When was the last time I prayed for/ with them?
The same way we only pick up the phone when we need something from others, that's how we do Jesus. Yeah, I said it! " Lord, please help me out of this," " Lord, please bless me with that," "Won't He do it." You haven't had a regular conversation with Him in a long time; you don't know if He is still on the cross or not.
I have real conversations with Him, just like I am talking with my friends. Not only does He sees my mistakes and accomplishments, but I also talk with Him about them. The other week I said, Lord, I know You are sick of me cause I'm sick of myself. I must do better. I am going to try to do better. Please forgive me. I talk to Him every single day and throughout the day. We are in tune! This still doesn't mean I am in tune with others.
Psalm 138:3 When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
Philippians 4: 12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . . . I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper;
The Lord is the sustainer of my soul.
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
"Pick up the phone call on Jesus, not because you need anything. Call Him so that you can get in tune with Him. Do the same with the people around you." - Alston Shropshire
