Remember God!

Over the years, it has been interesting to observe the different ways people utilise social media.  Our family once hosted an exchange student who spent a great deal of time taking selfies while pulling faces with silly expressions that were popular at the time.  Some people sit in their car and film themselves weighing in on topics of interest, and others record their reactions and angry tirades for others to see.  People have gone from posting family photos, food pictures and memes to using social media as a means of building a brand and becoming influencers.  They travel to exotic locations for idyllic pictures, review products and are paid to create content to promote anything and everything under the sun.

Having friends and followers online give people the sense of personal connection to the point posting a reaction or update seemingly becomes habitual.  Instead of calling people on the phone to ask for advice or driving to someone's house to talk, people pour out their hearts online to anyone who will watch, listen or like.  People feel validated when they receive a response from their posts, while others can feel disappointed and depressed no one seems to notice or care.  I am unable (and unwilling at my age) to explore the depths and breadth of the ever changing landscape of online interactions, but I do not believe I am missing out on anything good or necessary for life.

It struck me the other day how people can be quick to call family members when they are in trouble or reach out to strangers online hoping for support.  It made me consider:  how often do people resort to family or online connections instead of crying out to God?  They seem quick to immediately post their problems online in a public forum for all to see but may neglect to go to God intentionally and ask for Him to help!  There is no one who is able and willing to help like God.  No one can compare with the sovereign LORD who has infinite power and makes all things work together for good for those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose.  James said in his epistle to believers we have not because we ask not, and a mobilised, united online community can never begin to accomplish what God does by His wondrous works.  Talking about our problems to others is not asking God anything.

Christian, we worship God who delivered the children of Israel from slavery in Egypt with a mighty hand.  He is the LORD who parted the Red Sea and guided His people through safely, and He caused the waters to drown enemies who pursued them.  Our God provided bread from heaven, water from the rock and gave His people His divine ordinances.  Our God emboldened and strengthened David to defeat Goliath of Gath with sling and stone; He thundered against the Philistines from heaven in response to prayer and shook the ground under their feet.  Jesus Christ healed the sick, opened the eyes of a man born blind, cleansed lepers, cast out demons, gave strength to a paralytic to walk unaided, and forgave people of sins.  Not only did Jesus raise the dead to life, but He died on the cross and rose from the dead so we could be redeemed and live forever.  This is my God who loves us, and His ears are open to our cries.  As Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."