God is close

[God] is not far from any one of us (Acts 17:27).

I am frequently amazed at how connected people are becoming in our age of modern technology. With your computer and an Internet connection, you can travel around the world at very little expense. You can visit the online journal of a complete stranger and let him take you along on his vacation to Singapore. If you can’t find someone who shares your interests in your neighborhood, go online and you will find a virtual community of like-minded individuals willing to chat with you. Unsure what to make of events in today’s news? There are any number of bloggers who would love for you to read their opinions. And if you are willing to part with some cash, you can even take a university course from the comfort of your own home.

Modern cell phone service offers connectivity that is even faster, more portable, and more personal. No matter where you go, you can talk, send text messages and transmit pictures. Cell phones are used to check in on the kids, get updated shopping lists while at the store, do business while sitting in traffic, find friends while out and about, and just talk about nothing in particular whenever the whim moves you.

Interconnectedness is not cheap, whether you are buying a computer or racking up large amounts of minutes every month with a telecommunications provider. But Americans love being connected, and usually seem able to find a way to pay for such services.

Yet I am also dismayed at how disconnected people are becoming. Even though there is more talk and chat and text messaging going on between people, communication with God seems to be in decline. This is truly a sad state of affairs. In a world where people search for meaning and purpose, the person they increasingly ignore is the only one who can give them the answers they are looking for. In an age where people are terrified of being isolated and alone, they ignore the one person who offers to always be with them. In a world where people constantly seek new relationships to replace those that they have foolishly broken, they ignore the one person who can forgive the mistakes of the past and bring about lasting reconciliation.

You don’t need any special equipment to contact Jesus; just find a quiet place and approach Him in prayer. He is always near; He is always willing to listen.