Connected

Picture by Caprice Miller

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

In case you didn’t recognize it, this picture is of an older model cell phone.  This lit up key pad was all the rage back in the day.  And that wasn’t really that long ago when you think about it.    How did we ever survive life without our “fingertip communication” capabilities?   Today we can make calls and send text from anywhere.  And who needs a map anymore?   We have maps at your fingertips that will not only light up that path you should take, but in a very pleasant voice, tell you exactly how to get there.  And when you get to your destination you can “google” whatever local happening and restaurant to make sure you get the most out of your time.  And, of course, you are never out of the loop with the latest world news and much more importantly, social media news. Seriously, how did we ever survive without being constantly connected?  Today, our biggest fear is that our power charge goes out or we can’t get service.

I’m so thankful that we don’t have to worry about losing power or service when it comes to our connection with God – the true source to the answers we need.  In our society of instant connection, we seem to forget that we have actually always had an instant connection to the true source for our answers.  Perhaps it is the ease of this access that makes us forget about it at times.  The reality is that we can truly talk to our Creator anytime and anywhere.  From the beginning God has always desired a relationship with us – a connection.  Unfortunately, we have a way of allowing life’s circumstances to distract us from this direct line to God.  We search and search for the answers everywhere else.  It seems when we finally decide to turn to God it’s as a last resort instead of the first response.  Sure, it may sound too simplistic when you first think about it.  Our instinct tells us that we have to DO something on our own and many times that equates to worry and anxiety about our circumstances.  This is what Paul had to say about that: 

^“ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” -    Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Perhaps this connection to God through prayer is something new for you.  Maybe it seems as though there should be a certain way to do it or that you have to use “thee and thou” or you have to be on your knees all the time.  After all, this is GOD we’re talking to – the Creator of the universe.  That is one of the great things about prayer.  God just wants us to talk to Him – He wants a relationship with us.  That’s what the word “truth” in the verse above is about.  He doesn’t want ritualistic words and posturing – He wants YOU.  He already knows what is going on in your life and what is in your heart.  But He wants you to open up to Him on your own – not because you think you have to, but because you love Him and you know He loves you.   He wants you to have the answers you’re seeking and that peace you are striving so hard for. 

The circumstances we encounter in this life can really cause us to spin out of control at times.  The answers to our problems will not be in flashing neon.  The answers are right in front of us though.  We can have them through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  We have the ability to have a constant open line to God.  He will answer you.  Perhaps it will be through a word from your pastor, perhaps it will be from a friend who is also connected to Him also or perhaps it will simply be from His whisper in your heart as you spend time talking to Him.  Whatever manner, expect answers because you have called. Maybe it won’t be an immediate answer either.  Perhaps it is an answer that comes after spending some time with Him.  Just don’t take for granted His accessibility.  He is always near – just start talking to Him.