What is Your Lifeline?

Scripture: John 15-5-8(NIV)

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

Devotion:

In these verses, Jesus offers a vivid image: He is the vine, and we are the branches. Our vitality, growth, and fruitfulness depend on our connection to Him. Just as a branch cannot survive, let alone flourish, without drawing life from the vine, so too are we spiritually withered when we are disconnected from Christ.

In today’s world, it is easy to let our lifelines drift. We find ourselves tethered to our phones, scrolling endlessly, chasing notifications, seeking affirmation and distraction in the glow of a screen. We convince ourselves that being “connected” in this way keeps us informed, entertained, or even valued. Yet, if we are honest, this connection often leaves us feeling empty, restless, and even more isolated than before.

To answer plainly: yes, being perpetually connected to our phones can, and often does, mean being disconnected from God, our true source of life. The constant pull of digital life can quietly replace the gentle, sustaining presence of Christ. We become like branches cut off from the vine—seemingly alive on the outside but slowly withering within.

Jesus invites us back to the source. When we remain in Him, when we set aside distractions and let His words dwell in us, we receive life—abundant, meaningful, and full of purpose. Our prayers align with God’s will, and our lives begin to bear fruit that brings glory to the Father.

Today, consider what you are connected to. Are you drawing life from endless streams of information, or from the Living Word? What might happen if, instead of reaching for your phone first thing in the morning, you reached for prayer or Scripture? Let us abide in Christ, our true lifeline, trusting that every good and lasting thing flows from our connection to Him.

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for being our true source of life and strength. Help us to remain anchored in You amid the distractions and noise of our world. Redirect our hearts to seek Your presence first each day, trusting that Your love alone sustains us. Prune away what withers our souls and bear Your lasting fruit in our lives. May we reflect Your light, drawing others to Your grace and truth. Teach us to abide in You, listening for Your voice and resting in Your promises. In all we do, may our lives bring glory to You. Amen.