Connectivity

I wonder how many of you find yourself, like me, frustrated at the various facets of modern technology.  Yesterday and today I have been frustrated by Google and it's security.  I found that I had to change my password which has resulted in far too many requirements and texts to ascertain that it is me.  I thought I was done with it all yesterday and today it began all over again!  I wonder if I'll be sure of my own identity when Google has finished with me!!  Now another requests pops up as I'm typing....is this going to continue.  My inner voice cries out, "How long, Lord, how long?" 

However.....I must remember that there are many benefits from the connectivity we enjoy these days and decide to be thankful for them.  Actually the situation has worked for me today because I had in mind (yesterday), to write about connection - with others and with God, so here is my practical example.

I believe that humans were made for connection with each other.  Over the years Col & I have lived in a number of countries and have made wonderful friends in each place.  With modern technology we are blessed to be able to keep those connections very easily by phone, Facetime, Messenger, email, and any number of other apps available to connect with others. Unlike my mother, who had left her big family in the UK when I was just 5, who had to wait weeks for letters which connected her with her Mum and family far away.  We have it so easy today, but sociologists tell us that loneliness (i.e. lack of connection) is a big problem.  Why?

Possibly, because we connect, but not really on a deep level.  There is something about face to face contact with others that fills a need in most of us.  I enjoy time alone very much but I still find that I am 'fed' in a certain way by social contact, so I need to work on having those connections. We need the balancing factor of others in our lives. We need to exchange ideas, be challenged by opposing thoughts, because they make us think.  I often process things best in conversation with others as I'm not a natural 'thinker'.  

Deeper still (and you know I'll always tell you this!), we have an innate need to connect with God in whose image we are made.  This is the greatest privilege offered to humanity and the least used.  Prayer is that connection that is open to God through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Let us not neglect it because as Billy Graham said "You will never understand who you are until you understand who God is."  Wonderful Corrie Ten Boom challenges us still with her words, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tyre?"

Connect afresh with God today by "coming boldly to His throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).  I commend to you one of my favourite passages of scripture - Psalm 37:1-8.  Read it here.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the times I have not turned to you first in my needs.  Help my connectivity with you be the most important thing, and then, help me to connect in life-giving ways  to those I meet.  Amen